You're an educator in Higher Education. How can you use creativity to improve student outcomes?

I create a classroom environment where discussions are open-ended and encourage creative thinking. This sparks curiosity and gets students excited to learn. I use techniques like mind mapping, brainstorming and role play to facilitate engaging discussions that promote student participation and build confidence. By fostering creative discussions , I have seen students of all personalities become more confident learners. It’s a truly rewarding experience to see even the shyest students blossom in these discussions. I create a safe space for learning by emphasizing that it’s okay to make mistakes. We are all here to learn and explore ideas together.

From the purview of a recent higher education graduate, I believe in order to facilitate creative discussions, increase curiosity, encourage participation and to connect with students- the easiest way is to give examples relevant to the target group. Give students astonishing and shocking facts about brands, celebrities they know and relate with. Examples like how you won't find any product images on Apple's social handles or how the Starbucks loyalty program is full of cash, etc. Some examples might raise eyebrows, but most importantly they will make students curious, enable participation and facilitate discussions.

In my experience some of the most useful resources could be exploring digital platforms, interactive simulations, VR experiences, encourage digital storytelling, and multimedia resources. For example, utilize online collaborative platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft Teams for group projects, discussions, and document sharing. Regarding VR, platforms like PhET Interactive Simulations offer a wide range of interactive simulations across various subjects. To incorporate multimedia resources platforms like TED-Ed, Khan Academy, and YouTube offer a wealth of educational content. For digital storytelling, platforms like Adobe Spark, Storybird, and Book Creator provide user-friendly tools.

To foster creativity and enhance learning outcomes, integrate technology tools that encourage collaboration, presentation, and feedback among students. Utilize multimedia, simulations, games, and virtual reality to create immersive learning experiences. This approach not only leverages students' digital skills but also broadens their educational opportunities, making learning more engaging and effective.

To enhance student outcomes through creativity, demonstrate creative behaviors in your teaching and research. Share your creative process, embrace curiosity, and show openness to new ideas. Encourage students to take risks and be flexible in their learning. By modeling such behaviors, you inspire students to develop their own creative skills and pursue innovative paths in their education.

Start by integrating interdisciplinary approaches that encourage students to draw connections between diverse subjects, fostering a deeper understanding and innovative thinking. Incorporate project-based learning, where students tackle real-world problems, promoting engagement and practical application of knowledge. Utilize digital tools and platforms to create interactive and immersive learning experiences, catering to various learning styles and increasing accessibility. Encourage collaborative projects to build teamwork skills and expose students to different perspectives. Finally, create a classroom environment that celebrates curiosity and risk-taking, allowing students to explore and express their ideas freely.