Creative Teachers

This book offers teaching/training professionals an evidence-based pedagogic guide to teaching effectively, efficiently and creatively – also known as Creative Teaching Competence. Firstly it summarizes the extensive research on human psychological functioning relating to learning and how this can be fully utilized in the design and facilitation of quality learning experiences that maximize attainment and engagement opportunities. Secondly, it demonstrates what creativity actually ‘looks like’ in terms of specific teaching practices, modeling the underpinning processes (syntax) of creative learning design. It then establishes Metacognitive Capability as the superordinate twenty-first century competency; in that this unique human attribute can significantly enhance the cognitive and motivational strategies essential for facilitating self-directed learning and wellbeing. The book helps teaching/training professionals to thoughtfully apply evidence-based knowledge and strategies to today’s challenges, such as developing self-directed learners, enhancing intrinsic motivation, utilizing technology for learning and teaching, developing curricula for twenty-first century competencies and optimally framing and developing the heightened teacher expertise required today.

For healthcare professionals, clinical education is foundational to the learning process. However, balancing safe patient care with supportive learning opportunities for students can be challenging for instructors and the complex social context of clinical learning environments makes intentional teaching approaches essential. Clinical instructors require advanced teaching knowledge and skills as learners are often carrying out interventions on real people in unpredictable environments. Creative Clinical Teaching in the Health Professions is an indispensable guide for educators in the health professions. Interspersed with creative strategies and notes from the field by clinical teachers who offer practical suggestions, this volume equips healthcare educators with sound pedagogical theory. The authors focus on the importance of personal philosophies, resilience, and professional socialization while evaluating the current practices in clinical learning environments from technology to assessment and evaluation. This book provides instructors with the tools to influence both student success and the quality of care provided by future practitioners.

The Creative Classroom presents an original, compelling vision of schools where teaching and learning are centered on creativity. Drawing on the latest research as well as his studies of jazz and improvised theater, Sawyer describes curricula and classroom practices that will help educators get started with a new style of teaching, guided improvisation, where students are given freedom to explore within structures provided by the teacher. Readers will learn how to improve learning outcomes in all subjects—from science and math to history and language arts—by helping students master content-area standards at the same time as they increase their creative potential. This book shows how teachers and school leaders can work together to overcome all-too-common barriers to creative teaching—leadership, structure, and culture—and collaborate to transform schools into creative organizations. “This work will make it easier for educators to harness and develop the creative potential of the people around them—young or old.” —Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Claremont Graduate University “This guide is important for all educators that are seeking to be in sync with the changing demands of the 21st century.” —Kylie Peppler, Indiana University Bloomington “Keith Sawyer has written a wise and judicious book that will challenge and inspire teachers at all levels and in all disciplines.” —Ellen Winner, Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education “Keith Sawyer is a field leader in studies of creativity and education and he does not disappoint with this text. If teachers take one thing from this book, it’s to say ‘Yes!’ to kids’ voices.” —Erica Halverson, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Creative Teachers... A Manual is directly addressed to teachers involved with the education and development in schools and colleges. The approach to creative teaching expounded in the manual is based on the principles derived Human Resource Development.In the seats of learning, the youth are at their learning and receptive best. Teachers play a vital role in bringing out their creative

Is creative teaching still possible in English schools? Can teachers maintain and promote their own interests and beliefs as well as deliver a prescribed National Curriculum? Originally published in 1995, this book explores creative teachers’ attempts to pursue their brand of teaching despite the changes. Peter Woods has discovered a range of strategies and adaptations to this end among such teachers, including resisting change which runs counter to their own values; appropriating the National Curriculum within their own ethos; enhancing their role through the use of others; and enriching their work through the National Curriculum to provide quality learning experiences. If all else fails, such teachers remove themselves from the system and take their creativity elsewhere. A strong theme of self-determination runs through these experiences. While acknowledging hard realities, the book is ultimately optimistic, and a tribute to the dedication and inspiration of primary teachers. The book makes an important contribution to educational theory, showing a range of responses to intensification as well as providing many detailed examples of collaborative research methods.

Keeping youth or students entertained and interested in an educational curriculum, or even expressing the fundamentals of life, is a challenge for many parents and educators. The objective of this book is to communicate to youth regarding education, motivation, statistics and social awareness by applying creativity. I believe that creativity crosses boundaries that little else can, fostering a comprehensible connection between teachers, parents and students. This book is engaging, entertaining, informative and creative, and undoubtedly will serve as a valuable teaching tool and contribute to the field of education. Students who engage in this book may examine youth challenges and statistics, and can be amused by the creative compositions and expressions of poetry, art, rap, and song lyrics. Parents who provide this book to their youth offer them pertinent information to recognize and avert challenges they may encounter, also encourage creativity, confidence and critical thinking. Educators who teach this book may enhance literacy, communication, motivation, awareness and creativity by engaging students in a six to eight (6-8) weeks course of recital, expressions, critique, research, presentations and discussions. (Lesson plans are available) Classroom, School or Community groups may perform this book implementing their own interpretation for "Call and Answer" theatrical performances, utilizing props, artwork, music, instruments and/or signs, which may also include parents, teachers or staff.

Do you ever wonder why Jeffrey talks all of the time? Or why Toni can't sit still? Or why Alex loves work sheets? Or why Jordan is always trying something new? Each chapter is fun to read, stimulating, and immensely practical. This book is valuable to teachers, and for preachers, too. DAVID R. MAINS DIRECTOR, CHAPEL OF THE AIR It's about time. Creative Teaching Methods is not just another book on the theory of creativity (which we don't need). Rather, it is a book on the practice of creativity in the classroom (which we desperately need). This is a book you will use over and over again. Creative Teaching Methods is loaded with practical and usable ideas that will make creative teaching a reality in your classroom. Without hesitation, I would recommend this book to anyone who teaches young people or adults. MIKE YACONELLI PRESIDENT, YOUTH SPECIALTIES Marlene LeFever makes the principle of learning through creative participation come alive for Christian education. Creative methods are vividly and invitingly explored for their potential for deepening the spiritual life through new ways of hearing the Word of God and using heretofore untapped personal resources in responding to it. Unique in its assumption that in Christian education creativity is just as essential in work with youth and adults as it is in work with children. D. CAMPBELL WYCKOFF PROFESSOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION EMERITUS, PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Marlene D. LeFever is Manager of Ministry Relations for David C. Cook Church Ministries, holds a master of Christian education and is a frequent speaker at Sunday School conventions, writers' conferences, and professional organizations. Editor of Teacher Touch, a quarterly letter of affirmation for Sunday School teachers, Marlene has authored over ten books, including Creative Teaching Methods (Cook), Creative Hospitality (Tyndale), and Is Your To Do List About To Do You In? (NavPress).