Creativity in the Classroom / Teachers: Garrett, Alessandra, Joel

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I. Content:  

Antonio and his team want to live in Syria. A quick search on google provides the following information:

According to the US. Department of State (July 13, 2023), no part of Syria is safe from violence. Kidnappings by armed groups, unjust arrests and/or detentions, the use of chemical warfare, shelling, and aerial bombardment of civilian centers pose significant risk of death or serious injury. Check LA article Living in Syria. 

At a glance, it seems obvious that living in Syria is not a good idea, however, for the sake of researching the possibility of living in Syria, one could come up with the following questions.

 

II. 10 Questions 

1. How long does it take to get a visa to Syria from USA?

The time it takes to get a Syrian visa can fluctuate. For most eligible nationalities it takes around 2 weeks, however, there are longer delays for US citizens. It takes around 1 month for a US citizen to get a Syrian visa approved. Without the government approved security clearance, you can't travel to Syria.

 

 2. Is the US embassy in Syria open?

 

The U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended its operations in February 2012 and cannot provide protection or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria. The Government of the Czech Republic, acting through its Embassy in Damascus, serves as Protecting Power for U.S. interests in Syria.

 

3. Can a US citizen marry a Syrian citizen?

 

If a foreigner wants to marry a Syrian citizen in a Syrian Religious Court and register the marriage with Civil Affairs, the foreign spouse must provide proof of their religion and file for a security clearance with Syrian Intelligence, which normally takes up to six months, but could take longer in times of civil unrest and war.

 

4. What language is spoken in Syria?

Arabic is the official language, but Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian, English and French are also spoken. In the wake of World War I and the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire, the region that became modern-day Syria was administered by the French. It gained independence as a republic in 1946.

 

5. What is the religion of Syria?

 

Muslims make up about 90% of the Syrian population, including Sunnis and Shi'a Muslims, and encompass a wide variety of beliefs and practices, including varieties of Sufism. The Syrian Constitution requires that the President be Muslim, although there is no official religion of the Syrian state.

 

6. Can you have dual citizenship in the U.S. and Syria?

 

 Although Syrian law recognizes dual citizenship, it also states that a Syrian citizen with dual citizenship is considered a Syrian first.

 

 

7. How much is the dollar in Syria today?

 

1 USD = 2,512.53 SYP Nov 05, 2023 06:02 UTC.

 

 

8. Are there no flights to Syria?

 

No airlines currently offer direct flights between United States and Syria.

 

 

9. Is Syria under US embargo?

 

The US sanctions against Syria are the most severe, as they affect third-parties as well, and amount to an embargo.

 

10. Is Syria safe now 2023?

 

Which areas in Syria are safe to visit in 2023? Most of Syria, especially the government-controlled regions such as Damascus and Aleppo, are generally safe to travel to. The rebel-controlled regions and areas still at war, are not.

 

 

 

 

I

Unit: Teaching

Theme: Mini-lessons

Introduction

 

The role of creativity in a classroom is to create a safe and welcoming environment where ideas can flow freely and students can try and test their own creative solutions, without the pressure of 'having to get it right'.

 

 

II

Learning Objectives

 

• Understand the importance of creativity in the classroom
• Explain what blocks creativity
• Gain an awareness of how teaching can be  more creative
• Experience the art of teaching in a creative way 
  

 

III

Main Lesson

 

1

Mini-lessons

 

Garret Francis, Alessandra Diamond, 

Rudy Stonisch, Joel Keller

 

2

 Creativity in the Classroom

This video illustrates how creativity can be used in a classroom context by supplying teachers with strategies to use creativity in the classroom every day. Through the use of interviews with renowned scholars in the field and practice based narrative, this video gives an overview of the use of creativity to enhance academic outcomes. The main message conveyed by this video is to have creativity as part of every teacher’s toolbox and develop the strategic use of eliciting creativity.

 

Segments & Themes Discussed in this Video 

 

Segment I: Why creativity now? (min. 0:00 - 12:20)

• Creativity involves newness.
• Creativity is a capacity everyone has 
• Creativity and learning can go hand in hand
• Creativity enhances subject matter learning and vice versa.
  
• Creativity requires for one to be comfortable proposing creative ideas.
  

 

Segment 2: What Can Creativity Add to Your Classroom?

 

• Increasingly complex problems
• Enhanced creativity improves standardized test scores 
• Teacher scan have a positive impact on their students
• What can you do to include creativity in your classroom?

Segment 3: What blocks creativity?

• Creativity stereotypes and misconceptions 
• Examine your own attitude towards creativity
• From theory to practice. 
• Help children to develop their creativity by being opened and supportive.

Segment 4: What can you do to be more creative in your own teaching?

•  Protect and support student's intrinsic motivation.
• Avoid competition and comparison between students.
• Provide opportunities for students to own their own learning
• Provide feedback.
• Challenge students to think for themselves
• Establish relationships between your students

Segment 5: What can you do to be more creative in your own teaching?

• Develop you own creativity.
• Use creative instructional strategies

IV

A Note to Remember

 

 Creativity motivates kids to learn. Decades of research link creativity with the intrinsic motivation to learn.

 

 V

 

Activity 

Students watch the video. After watching the video, students gather in groups and discuss the questions below and use their own words to answer them. Students give examples of how these themes apply to a real classroom environment.

 

1.Why creativity now?

 

2. What can creativity add to your classroom?

 

3.What blocks creativity?

 

4. What do you need to do to develop the creative potential of your students?

 

5. What can you do to be more creative in your own teaching?

 

6. Where can you go from here?

 

 

VI

Students' Work

 

 Lesson Plans

 1

Alessandra Diamond

Lesson Plan:

Portuguese 101

Title: Discovering Portuguese: An Introduction to Language and Culture

Theme: Language and Cultural Exploration

Art Discipline: Linguistic Arts

Grade Level: 6th Grade

Teacher's Name: Alessandra Diamond

Volume: Moderate (for interactive participation)

Date: 11/8/2023

OBJECTIVE & COMPONENT

Objective: To introduce students to basic Portuguese phrases and the cultural context within which they are used, fostering an appreciation for linguistic diversity.

Component: Language Acquisition and Cultural Awareness

Standard (Competency)

Students will demonstrate foundational skills in understanding and using basic Portuguese phrases and recognize the cultural significance of the language.

Plan (Activity)

Begin with a brief introduction to the Portuguese-speaking world.

Use visual aids to present basic Portuguese vocabulary and phrases.

Engage students in pronunciation and repetition exercises.

Assessment

Assess students based on their participation in pronunciation exercises, and ability to recall vocabulary

Homework

Assign a simple worksheet where students match Portuguese words.

Cross-Curriculum Standards

Integrate social studies by discussing cultural aspects of Portuguese-speaking societies.

Differentiation

Provide additional visual aids and peer support for students who require more assistance.

Challenge advanced students with additional vocabulary and phrases.

Technology

Utilize video clips

Written Component

Students will write match Portuguese words

Careers Skills

Learning Portuguese can be valuable in various careers, such as international business, diplomacy, and translation services.

End of Lesson Plan

2

Garrett Francis

 Name of Teacher: Garrett Francis 

Title: 6Step Turkey Drawing–Visual Arts Education 

Grade Level: 1st Grade

 Component:Studio Skills 

Objective:Uses a variety of drawing tools to produce the desired effects 

Competency:Integrates color,shape, line,and space

 Activity:-Draw the turkey by following the 6 steps

 1.Oval for turkeys body 

 2.Draw neck and head  

3.Draw eye and beak 

 4.Draw waffle 

5.Draw feathers 

 6.Draw legs-Color in the turkey with any color 

 Materials:-Paper-Pen/Pencil for drawing-Markers for coloring in 

 Assessment: -If the student can properly create the turkey-The use of basic shapes and lines in the turkey drawing- Creativity in choosing colors and adding unique features-Participation and engagement during the activity

 

3

Joel Keller

 

Presentation

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1uVpT4MGdiC0BjKdjnMn2K9N6IVwIBk7yJIkMC92k63g/edit?usp=drive_link 

 

 Writing About Creativity

 Allie Rodman

Creativity is solving a problem, learning a concept, presenting material, etc. in a non-traditional, unique way. Being non-traditional means not sticking to the methods that are typically used. For example, a teacher does not need to give a lecture to teach a concept (Even though lectures are typically used). Instead, they can devise a hands-on activity. 

Creativity is important now because we live in a world that is dominated by technology. Although technology is beneficial, it also creates a sense of "sameness" and a "status quo." Many people think that they need to stick to the status quo in order to succeed. We can disprove this theory by encouraging creativity and uniqueness, which will allow people to express their individuality.

Creativity can allow students to become passionate about school. Many students are disengaged from school because they think that it is boring. Creative activities will encourage students to enjoy school and learning in general.

Norms block creativity. For example, many colleges do not encourage creativity because it is the norm for teachers to give lectures and for students to take written, traditional exams. Teachers and students feel as though they need to stick to these norms in order to be recognized as "good" teachers and students. We need to overcome these norms. 

You need to incorporate creative activities into your lesson plans in order to develop the creative potential of your students. 

You can attend lectures, read current research, and talk to coworkers to be more creative in your own teaching. You need to know what is "current" - What today's students enjoy and what activities are being implemented in other settings. You can also create non-traditional activities to provide students with new experiences that they may not be exposed to otherwise.

You can take political action to encourage school boards to integrate creativity in the classroom.

 You can also encourage your own children to be creative!

 

Albion Shala

 Creativity, in my eyes, is the ability to formulate unique solutions or designs to apply to a problem, drawing etc. 

The world is changing exponentially compared to even five years ago. Given the ease of internet accessibility and the fact that everyone is exposed to a constant bombardment of information – the need to incorporate creativity was created yesterday. By adding creativity to your class, you are already bending the norm and set yourself apart from most other classes. Creativity can be blocked by your own mind, or your students' mind. Sometimes creativity is blocked just based on your mood and an unwillingness to do so. Your personality is also a major part of allowing creativity into the classroom. 

Carlota Cardenal

1. Creativity can add better and more meaningful learning to the classroom. Most school systems have the same format of teaching, which lacks creativity; thus, students are not connected to it.

2. By adding creativity to the way we teach a subject, students will be much more engaged, will learn more things, and will be exercising their brain through critical and divergent thinking. 

3. A dull and rigid environment blocks creativity. In order for a student to be creative and to be proud of their ideas and willing to share them, they have to be surrounded by a safe environment where there is a lot of flexibility and no judgement. 

4. To develop the creative potential of your students, you must be creative yourself. Set the example and build the environment that lets them thrive. 

5. To be more creative in your own teaching, you can find new methods of teaching that are out of the norm. New is exciting, your students will be automatically more engaged.  

6. Apply what we have learned. One thing is to say it, other is to do it. Don't be scared to participate in activities that exercise your creativity, share your thoughts, try new things. New does not mean wrong.

Creativity is thinking outside the box - not seeing the world as if it is black and white, but instead finding new ways to understand everything around us and to go about our lives. 

Xinyi Nong

1.Why creativity now?
As technology develops, so does, which means that creativity must follow innovation.
 
2. What can creativity add to your classroom?
  Stimulate students' passion and improve their enthusiasm for learning.
3.What blocks creativity?
  Older generation thinking and pressure, or fear of failure hinder creativity
4. What do you need to do to develop the creative potential of your students?
  Create a classroom environment that stimulates creativity, encourages students to try new ideas and methods, and provides feedback and assistance.
5. What can you do to be more creative in your own teaching?
  Use multimedia, simulation activities, role plays, etc.
6. Where can you go from here?
From now on, I will try to inspire students' creativity and provide creative and interesting learning experiences. Help students solve problems, drive innovation, and stimulate students' imagination and creativity

 

Garret Francis

Creativity is the brains ability to be imaginative and think outside the box when it comes to solving a problem.

I think creativity is more important now because we are transferring to this digital world where people are becoming more robotic and less in touch with their feelings and surroundings.

Technology and lecturing blocks creativity in a classroom environment. There is very little room for creativity when being lectured at.

To stay in touch with students you need to make the class personal and give them the opportunity to talk and open up with you. If you're being lectured at all day nobody wants to engage with that kind of professor.

Keep the class on its toes and make every class different. If every class was the same then nobody would want to go because they would know what to expect. You have to keep the class fun and exciting by keeping it unique every day.

 

Meghan Warshauer

Creativity

What is creativity? I think creativity is great because it allows students to be themselves and come up with cool ideas that are different from the norm. 

1. I think creativity has a role to play now rather than before because of technology. Students depend on looking answers up which causes them to believe there is only one right way to do things when there is not. 

2. Creativity can add to learning by allowing students to belive in themselves and not be afraid to share their opinions. 

3. Creativity is blocked by people who are only looking for one way to get something done.

4. As a teacher it is important to practice what you teach. So teachers should show their student's how they are creative and then allow the students to be as well. 

5. In my own teaching, I can be more creative by making lesson plans that are very unique and that the students wouldn't have done a version of before.

6. From here, I would try to encourage creativity in every aspect of teaching. To include artistic elements as well as brainstorming activities and making sure my students never like they will be judged by their ideas.

 

 Grace Lopez

Creativity

Creativity is really important in a classroom .

student can bring creativity by solving problems , giving ideas, or doing research.

creativity can also form original ideas from the student.

creativity is also a life skill, which can help students unlock new avenues in their personal self expression.

 

Lana Nesheiwat

1. creativity is important now because children today are consumed by technology and mainly focus on stem classes. A creative outlet is important for children to express themselves.

2. Creativity can add expression, feeling, emotion and overall fun to a classroom.

3. Judgement, criticism, and overall no focus on the importance of art blocks creativity.

4. Have an open mind, create a safe space, and allow students to feel comfortable in expressing themselves to develop such potential.

5. I can become more creative in my own teaching by not always sticking by the book or rubric but putting more personality into my lesson plans.

6. I can become a more creative teacher and allow my students to foster a deeper meaning and further potential in arts and creativity.

 

 David Wyler 

 What blocks creativity?

Sometimes, feeling scared or worried can make it hard to think of new ideas. Other times, when we're too busy or stressed, our brains might not feel like being creative.

 

You can encourage them to try new activities like drawing, writing stories, or building things with their hands.

 

 Get students involved.

 

 You can continue to explore your interests and hobbies to see what really excites you. If you love being creative, you might consider taking art classes, joining a writing club, or participating in science fairs to expand your skills and knowledge.

 

 Creativity is more important now than ever because the world is changing really fast! With all the new technology and big challenges we face, we need creative thinkers to come up with fresh solutions.

 

 Creativity is when you use your imagination to make something special. It's like having a superpower that helps you think of new ideas and make things that are different and interesting.

 

 

 

Benjamin Feuer

Creativity

Being creative means using your own thoughts and ideas to come up with something new or find a different alternative that you came up with on your own.

Creativity is important now because, as we are in any stage in our life, creativity helps us think outside of the box and develops ideas we wouldn't have normally though of.

Creativity can add lots of unique perspectives and deeper discussions when used in a classroom. Instead of one-dimensional thoughts, creativity creates a space where people are looking for deeper meaning and utilizing their own thoughts and beliefs to connect to the idea of the classroom.

 

 

 

Joel Keller

Creativity is expressing yourself in whatever way you choose. creativity can add more freedom to express yourself in a classroom. Creativity is important now because curriculum in general is pretty rigid. Teacher tells you what to do, you do it, then you get your grade and that is the standard. Very strict rubrics and guidelines, which are things that block creativity. To develop students creative potential teachers can provide more broad rubrics and encourage them to get creative with their assignment responses. When teaching I can be more creative by involving more hands on activities. Where I can go from here, I say is that i can work on incorporating more creativity into my teaching style. 

Sebastian Chin

Importance of creativity

Creativity is as important as ever because it allows for youth development. It can add a more personable aspect to teaching, allowing students to connect to the material more. 

 Creativity is being able to explore new paths and ideas that you can express in your own way

Ella Li

In my mind, creativity is the ability to create a new thing on your own or add extra ideas which are based on your own thoughts on others' work.

 

1.The reason why creativity is important is it enables us to create more novel ideas or stuffs based on what we already have. Also, it requires us to have our own thinking, avoiding us from becoming a marionette with human appearance.

2.For the creativity, it enables our classroom to be more attractive as well as stimulating our thinking.

3.Fixed instructions from others as well as teachers who require their students to do exactly what they tell them to do.

4.Encouraging students to do the work based on their ideas in diverse ways instead of just following the instructions exactly.

5.Interacting more with the students and accept the work in more diverse forms like drawing or video instead of only paper work even-though it's a good.

6. Any position you want since there's no place in the world when you don't need creativity.

 

Alex Fishbone

Creativity

Being creative means using your imagination. It is not seeing someone else's work and copying it but seeing that work and then using your creativity or imagination to come up with your own work.

 Creativity can add a little excitement and collaboration to the classroom. Sometimes, teachers just lecture and if creative activities are incorporated, the students would have more excitement for the lessons.

 

 Marina Tischenkel

Creativity

Creativity is all about connecting all thoughts, good and bad, wild and simple together. It is allowing diversity and cultivating uniqueness.

Creativity is more important now than ever because we have so much copy and paste. People are more influenced by people than they were in the past, people are inspired by more. Creativity is insanely necessary right now.

Creativity and diversity are perfect compliments. Together they allow more ideas, projects and art be made.

 

 

Ryan Steinberg

What is creativity?

I see creativity as individual moments of inspiration that trigger something new to evolve. Creativity is a form of expressing who you are and what comes to your mind without outside influence.

creativity can add more excitement and personal meaning to what's being taught in class. It may stick with someone better if they can creatively connect to it. 

Strict guidelines block creativity and hinder students from utilizing their own thoughts and emotions

In order to develop the creative potential you need to let students use their own thoughts and ideas when completing assignments. when students have more room to come up with their own ideas, their creativity is activated. 

In order to be more creative in my own teaching I could ask for my students to vocalize their interests and use their ideas to be creative on my own.

 

Logan Bright

Creativity

Creativity is the ability to deconstruct preexisting materials and construct new ones. It is the measure of a persons ability to express themselves in ways that don't follow tradition or norms in the circle around them.

 I would argue that creativity is more important now than ever before because we live in a world of increased technology, AI, and fakeness, and a world of increased stress, anxiety, and division. We have very few largely encouraged outlets for creativty and we are more stressed. as humans. The two are not coincidental and the link should be observed and remedied. 

Things like writing, which was once an art is rapidly being taken over by robots and the like,  but the creativity of real art still cannot be replicated, so we must continue to produce it before we as a species lose the ability to be creative. 

Classes specially need it because this skill primarily needs to be developed and harvested in our youth.

What often blocks creativity is external perception, whether we are blocked by thinking what we create won't be perceived as good enough or if being creative at all will be perceived as a waste of time. 

There are also internal blockers like self doubt. 

In your own teaching, creativity should be produced by the needs of the students and the breaking of the traditional mold. The traditional mold kills creativity and we know this, so we have to move away from those norms, not to random nonsense or be self serving, but to give our students the most opportunity to express themselves.

 

Olivia Miller

 Creativity

Creativity is using your imagination to come up with ideas and have inspiration that elevates your thinking. It is thinking outside of the box.

Creativity plays a larger role in society now because we are in an age of expressionism and there are so many new ways that people can interact.

Creativity will make students more engaged and will allow them to better retain information.

I think fear of being judged blocks creativity.

 

 

Ethan Ruga

Creativity meaning

In my own words i think creativity means being very unique and having something to move people by your artistic/creative work .

1. Creativity is more important now than ever because now the world is so fast paced and people are always innovated so we need to keep up.

2. Creativity can add a lot of things to our learning. It can make learning more fun and more unique by having us as students do new things. 

3. fear of failure i think blocks creativity as people do not want to fail and always want to suceed.

4. In my opinion you just need someone who believes in you always and doesn't stunt your development 

5. I think getting more interactive with the students and letting them try different things is really important in being more creative.

6. You can honestly go anywhere from here. The sky is the limit with creativity and people are only getting smarter and smarter each and every year. There is no endpoint here.

Nydia Kyriakopoulos

Creativity

Creativity is highlighting ones own uniqueness. It is about expressing your inner works and we all have it. The freedom to express our ideas is creativity.

 1) Creativity is important now because we are in a digital age where we can express ourselves very easily. 

2) Creativity can add different opinions and room to learn in the classroom.

3) Sometimes people are nervous to express themselves.

4) You need encouragement to develop creativity.

 

MAKE UP

What is Creativity?

Ale Diamond

Creativity is the art of transcending traditional ideas, rules, patterns, or relationships to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, and interpretations. It is not just a skill but a unique way of seeing the world, allowing individuals to envision possibilities and bring to life innovations that change and shape the future.

 

Brady Wisdom

Creativity entails surpassing conventional notions, regulations, structures, or connections to generate significant novel ideas, expressions, approaches, and understandings, representing not merely a skill but a distinctive perspective that empowers individuals to imagine potentials and actualize pioneering developments that influence and mold the future.

 

Rudolph Stonisch

Creativity involves going beyond traditional concepts, rules, frameworks, or relationships to create meaningful new ideas, forms of expression, methods, and insights. It represents not just a skill, but a unique viewpoint that enables people to envision possibilities and bring forth innovative advancements that shape and influence the future.

 

Jake Irrgang

Creativity has become increasingly crucial in today's rapidly evolving world. Given the swift advancements in technology and the complex challenges we encounter, it's essential to have innovative minds that can devise novel solutions.

 

Abigail Gendell

Creativity is a combination of originality, expression, flexability and problem solving. It allows people to express their thoughts and feelings through works of art.