Creativity in an alternative learning environment

 

In the article Social influences on creativity: Evaluation, coaction, and surveillance by Amabile & Brackfield (1990) they mention that creativity seems to be withdrawn when there is the presence of others or an expectation/evaluation from others. This makes me wonder about the benefits of play-based learning in alternative learning environments.

One of the alternative learning schools I have learned about are “forest schools”. Forest schools vary in the way they are run. The one in my local area is a full outdoor education school. It is a BC independent school so they use the BC curriculum, however all classes are conducted outside. According to the research mentioned in Amabile, & Brackfield(1990) “There is evidence that evaluation expectation can by itself undermine intrinsic motivation and creativity.” (p. 10). I wonder with a more open style of learning if the evaluations are less obvious to the students and therefore create an environment more favorable to creativity. On the Cowichan Valley School District’s website(2022), it says “At Mill Bay Nature School, learning is intentionally embedded in everything we do” (para 3). This statement makes me think of an ideal learning environment where students are constantly being observed and evaluated but they are not aware of it, which makes them feel more comfortable and generally allows them to be more creative and learn authentically and naturally.

In my own practice I have seen evidence of this. Last year in June my K/1 teacher and I took her class on several walking field trips into the forest behind our school. Myself being the music teacher took this opportunity to ask the students prompting questions about sounds in our environment in a low-pressure environment. I was 100% evaluating their creative abilities to use their surroundings to create sounds or musical instruments but the questions flowed naturally, were not forced and the students seem to respond more authentically and naturally. For example, one of my students got really excited and started making sounds with everything he could find around him. He snapped a twig and said “Ms. Lucas, listen!” and he snapped another. He grabbed a pinecone and a stick and started replicating the sound we make with the rhythm sticks in class. He even crumbled some leaves and had me listen. This particular student had a really hard time learning in the classroom. I personally believe that inside the four walls he felt pressure and once he was out of them, he felt freedom. It was a really magical day for me and I am glad to have the opportunity to relive it and share it with you all.

 

Showing his friend the sound he can make by snapping twigs 

Reference:
Amabile, & Brackfield, S. (1990). Social influences on creativity: Evaluation, coaction, and       surveillance. Creativity Research Journal, 3(1), 6–21.                                   https://resolver   scholarsportal-  info.proxy.queensu.ca/resolve/10400419/v03i0001/6_siocecas.xml

School District 79. (2022). Mill Bay Nature School. Cowichan Valley School District. https://sd79.bc.ca/programs/mbns/

Questions to consider this term

 Well reflecting over the past week on some burning questions, I found it difficult to choose just one. I am curious about so many things and have a thirst to learn more. I have decided to target 2 questions, one personal and one more surrounding some educational ideas.

1. What type of alternative learning schools are available in my local area? What curriculum do they follow and how do they integrate their curriculum into the alternative environment?

2. What can I do to "stay fresh" while taking a short break from teaching? What should I do to prepare myself before returning to a teaching position?

Reflection as a way of life

When we look into the water, depending on the angle we see different things in its reflection. In life and in work I believe it is important to step back and ensure you can see those different perspectives. It often helps you find the solutions you are looking for or see something you might have missed.

Reflective practice is something that most people find very valuable but also something that often gets forgot or overlooked because "we don't have time". What strategies do you use or habits do you include in your life to ensure you are making time to reflect, whether it is in your personal life or career life?