Creativity Is Not a Gift

Some experiences become a generational thing. Finnish adults have this kind of experience about singing: When we were children, every year in school we faced what was called a singing test. In practice, this meant that every child had to go front of the class alone and sing a song, while everyone else listened.

For many of us, it was a near traumatic experience and the test put whole generations off singing.

But that is how creativity has been understood for many, many years: something that a person either can do or cannot do, but which yet can be graded.

“There has been this belief of creativity being some sort of magical gift that some people receive at birth. We want to break this myth,” says Janne Hiedanniemi, a teacher, musician and a co-founder of Finnish INTO SCHOOL.

INTO SCHOOL is a Finnish education concept and teacher training package focusing in STEAM education using music, storytelling, visual arts and drama as a vehicle. The developers of INTO SCHOOL have a strong background in music industry and teaching.

“At INTO SCHOOL we realize that creativity is something that can be practiced and developed,” Hiedanniemi continues.

Teachers self-esteem with technology is crucial

At INTO SCHOOL program children work on a creative project using tablets. They may, for example, produce a film complete with a storyline, acting and music. The process takes them inside a process of professional creative projects. And in Finland, some schools present the outputs of their students in real movie theaters!

“As in a professional world, the processes with students usually lasts for few months. At first, many ideas are tried and tested, and sessions are goofy and lots of fun,” Hiedanniemi explains.

“But then the process become more disciplined, there might arise problems which need negotiation, but the output is finalized. All this develops creativity, self-knowledge, leadership and collaboration skills of students.”

And not only the students’, but the skills of teachers are greatly expanded.

“We have noticed that sometimes schools’ answer to the challenge of digitalization is that a bunch of tablets are purchased for the school,” Hiedanniemi says. “But that does not lead far. Technology is worthy only when it is used in creative manner that enhances the learning.”

Sometimes adults believe that children are well adapted in using technology, and that it is something they as adults cannot achieve.

“It is as some teachers think their best-before-date is past them because of the development of technology. This clearly is not good for their professional identity and professional self-esteem. It’s pivotal to invest in teachers and quality in-service training, so that they can practise their profession with confidence, and without a fear of failure,” Hiedanniemi says. “It is crucial – also for the students – that the teachers feel at-ease with the current technology.”

Writer: Kati Melto

For more information about INTO SCHOOL, please do visit at www.intoschool.org.