Schools would look very different if they encouraged creativity, says psychology professor Robert Sternberg: “There would be much more emphasis on encouraging the kids to think in their own way, rather than in the way the teacher does or the system does,” he says. These are some of the changes needed:
* Adults would be models of creativity
* Schools would encourage risk-taking, even if it led to failure
* Mistakes would not be criticised
* Adults would tell stories of things they tried which did not work
* Ambiguity and uncertainty would be widespread
* Students would be encouraged to find things they love to do
* Schools would encourage delayed gratification
* Creativity would be assessed and rewarded
* Everyone would have time to play around with ideas “The Handbook of Creativity” edited by Robert J Sternberg, is published by Cambridge University Press
