Researchers on sources of innovation out of Universities in the Netherlands and Australia joined forces to study the nature of creativity; specifically to determine if differences exist between creativity that leads to innovation in the sciences and creativity leading to innovation in the arts.
The researchers found that creativity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is very similar to creativity in the arts, indicating that a holistic approach to teaching creativity in schools and universities, would benefit all disciplines.
Lead researcher, David Cropley from the University of Southern Australia told Science Daily the study provides important information to guide educators:
“As it turns out, creativity is general in nature… This is great news for teachers, who can now confidently embrace and integrate heightened levels of creativity across their curriculum for the benefit of all students — whether STEM or arts based.”
He goes on to say that cultivating creativity, holistically across all subjects, will be the key to preparing students for the future.
“To prepare the next generation for the future, we need to understand the gaps in the market — the human skills that computers, artificial intelligence and automation cannot achieve — and this is where creativity fits.
Read the study at ScienceDirect.com
Read the ScienceDaily.com
Photo Credit: Seacoast Waldorf School
