Crazy Ideas

This week my Creativity textbook challenged me to “think of three bizarre ideas for increasing the creativity of high school students – ideas that are guaranteed to get me fired.” Here is what I have come up with:

1. Refusing to report potential Emotional Disabilities.

According to Davis, some people who experience Bipolar disorder are enabled to create beautiful poetry. The belief here is that the periods of intense feelings give the poet the ability to create beautiful language, and then to be critical of their work. Reporting these students would potential effect their ability to create amazing works of art. However, I doubt that this would be a sufficient excuse if one of my students were to commit suicide.

2. Refusing to establish an order of conduct for students.

While there is something to be said for an orderly class, there appears to be a correlation between many behaviors that are often considered negative. In my textbook studies describe creative people using such terms as: Egotistical, Impulsive, Argumentative, Childish, Absent-Minded, Neurotic, and Hyperactive. A student described in this way would be expected to be reported based on behaviors that would often lead to such an evaluation.

3. Refusing to provide accurate feedback

Giving students accurate feedback is obviously what is in the best interest of a person developing a skill or understanding; however, it may become a barrier to their creativity. These students, who are trying to express their creativity, could easily become discouraged by even accurate feedback as they are putting themselves out looking for acceptance. Unfortunately, while this may help some, too many people receive inaccurate feedback, and that is why the 1^st 3-4 weeks of American Idol is filled with people convinced that they are talented singers. It will not be the best for everyone, but some kids will avoid being crushed by the judgment of another teacher.

These are certainly crazy ideas, that we all hope will not be acted upon, but each one has its own merit (well sort of…). They all at least made me think for a second, and laugh for a minute. They are definitely out there, but maybe there needs to be a degree of respect for each issue that has been brought to light by each of these ideas.