Developing Creativity

Recently I spent an afternoon working with Advanced Skills Teachers talking about creativity. The intention was to establish a common vocabulary and set of reference points. It was also to begin a discussion about how AST's might work strategically with each other and with the authority to develop creativity in schools. In the event there was little time to develop a discussion and evaluations (rightly) noted that those present had not had any time to discuss the issues raised.

This is for them. Blogs are new to me but it seems interesting to see if they provide an opportunity for easily sharing ideas and to continue a debate begun at face to face meetings. If so it will be a useful way to sustain discussion following professional development courses, among other things. I should note that this blog is an attempt to research the use and value of this medium for professional debate. This blog is not openly published and is only available if people have the URL. It is also a personal project.

In my presentation I said that, AST's, it seems to me, are particularly important people. They are the people who are inventing and testing the next generation of pedagogies. They are the champions of innnovation because they have credibility based on their day to day practice in their own classrooms. We explored the role of AST's as 'champions' who are prepared to develop innovative practice as well as the role they have as mentors and supporters of other teachers. We noted that some of the time available to them can be, and has been, legitimately devoted to developing their own skills and innovative practice. If they can not pursue innovation who can?

In our meeting we explored the concept of AST's modelling creativity and working with other AST's to explore new practice. For instance, AST's for art and mathematics developing and testing ideas together. We also noted that the loosening hold of QCA 'units' on the curriculum and the evolution of local distinctiveness is an opportunity for AST's to develop and promote new curriculum units and resources. Again if AST's don't do this who will? However, we did not explore what this might mean in practice and this was a missed opportunity - hence this blog.

For instance some ideas might be:

• AST's developing and publishing exemplar material illustrating creativity in teaching and learning. In this case the modells of practice would be undertaken inn their own school. The material could be written up in AST time.
• AST's working together to develop curriculum plans and resources (within subjects and across subjects)
• AST's working with advisers and consultants to develop creative practice.
• AST's promoting creativity in their work with other schools - perhaps developing a repertoire or menu of skills and practice that schools might opt for.

We would welcome the comments of those at the meeting and the opportunity to see if a blog is a useful way to pursue professional debate. We understand that this can not replace personal contact and we hope to pursue the idea of a focussed seminar about creativity next term.