Are today's schools killing our students' creativity?
By Andrea Garcia
EDI 17 Psychology & Development of Adolescent Students
School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
February 11, 2009
Are today's schools killing our students' creativity? I believe the answer is "yes." I feel that schools do not encourage art as much as they encourage sports. Schools are usually known for their students’ athletic abilities, not their artistic skills. When school budgets do not get passed the first time, some programs get cut and others lose a lot of funding. Usually, the first programs to get cut are the arts. Students who are involved in the arts are usually the more responsible students, take school seriously and stay out of trouble.
Art is supposed to be an outlet for students and should not automatically be the first program cut. The arts include drawing, sculpting, music, painting, theater, singing, etc. Students put a lot of hard work and dedication into perfecting their gift; parents also spend a lot of money on private lessons.
I also believe that schools, as well as society, do not encourage creativity. Most “average” people do not understand why “artsy” people dress “different” or act “weird.” There are many different types of creative people and show off their creativity in a variety of ways. Some people like to use tattoos and body piercings to express themselves. Others might have an unusual hairstyle or dress a certain way and we, as a society, consider these people to be “weird.” These people are just showing off their uniqueness and creativity, and should be applauded for not caring about how other people view them.
Long Island University, C. W. Post
February 11, 2009
Are today's schools killing our students' creativity? I believe the answer is "yes." I feel that schools do not encourage art as much as they encourage sports. Schools are usually known for their students’ athletic abilities, not their artistic skills. When school budgets do not get passed the first time, some programs get cut and others lose a lot of funding. Usually, the first programs to get cut are the arts. Students who are involved in the arts are usually the more responsible students, take school seriously and stay out of trouble.
Art is supposed to be an outlet for students and should not automatically be the first program cut. The arts include drawing, sculpting, music, painting, theater, singing, etc. Students put a lot of hard work and dedication into perfecting their gift; parents also spend a lot of money on private lessons.
I also believe that schools, as well as society, do not encourage creativity. Most “average” people do not understand why “artsy” people dress “different” or act “weird.” There are many different types of creative people and show off their creativity in a variety of ways. Some people like to use tattoos and body piercings to express themselves. Others might have an unusual hairstyle or dress a certain way and we, as a society, consider these people to be “weird.” These people are just showing off their uniqueness and creativity, and should be applauded for not caring about how other people view them.
1 comments:
This is THE most important issue of education today. Creativity is not just about artsy kids who dress differently from the pact. Creativity is the nature of adolescence. Identity formation is a creative act and adolescents as well as children need creativity to create meaning, minds, and ultimately a sense of self. There is nothing more important than the creating of self (identity) and the "arts" offer than time, space and opportunity to do this essential human work.
Please check out my blog - Adolescence Here and Now - the Imperative of Creative Social Emotional Education
at adolescentwork.wordpress.com
Thanks, Kimberly Hackett
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