Creativity for Teachers: A Cognitive Science Approach (The Teacher CPD Academy)

Creativity is a word that is widely used in education, but in ways that are not always consistent or in line with research. This exciting new book explores how creativity is not something additional, but which is infused throughout learning, relevant to every subject and student.

Taking a cognitive science approach, it presents creativity in terms of building competencies. It challenges the view that schools kill creativity or that only some types of tasks count as creative. By setting up existing lessons in ways that involve more flexibility and uncertainty, we can both boost creativity and build a more flexible academic expertise along the way. Featuring practical classroom examples, research evidence, and case studies which will guide practitioners and provide a timely antidote to stale skills vs. knowledge arguments, the chapters include:

• Cognitive science and creativity
• Creativity across subject disciplines
• Linking creativity and knowledge
• Freedom vs. constraints
• Expertise and metacognition
• Assessing creativity
• Motivation and school culture
• Creative teachers and creative teaching

Part of The InnerDrive Teacher CPD Academy series that offers a deep dive into the key areas that matter to teachers, this is essential reading for all teachers and school leaders wanting to develop their understanding of what creativity looks like in the classroom so they can better support their students.

Dr Claire Badger is Assistant Head, Teaching and Learning, at the Godolphin and Latymer School, UK. She has been teaching Chemistry in secondary schools for over 18 years.

Dr Jonathan Firth is a teacher, author, and researcher. Having taught Psychology at secondary school level for many years, he now works at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, leading lectures and seminars on undergraduate and postgraduate courses, carrying out research, and supervising students.