Fostering Creativity in Education: The Role of Teachers’ Values and Creative Pedagogies

The PISA 2022 report highlights creative thinking as a key competence, describing it as the ability to generate, assess and refine ideas that lead to innovative solutions, knowledge advancement and impactful expressions of imagination (De Bortoli & Underwood, 2024). This definition underscores creativity as not merely an abstract talent but a structured, productive approach to learning that can lead to real-world impact.

A recent report from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) further examines how teachers’ values and attitudes toward creative teaching methods can significantly influence students’ creative development. Creative educators are described as those who actively encourage students to explore unique ways of thinking, express themselves openly and take calculated risks within their learning journey. By doing so, teachers cultivate an environment rich in stimulation and support, essential for nurturing students’ imagination and originality.

Such an atmosphere does more than inspire creativity; it also enhances students’ confidence and motivation. When students feel their creative expressions are valued and they are encouraged to try new approaches, they are more likely to engage deeply and persistently in their learning. According to the ACER report, this openness to creative pedagogies among teachers is crucial, as it directly impacts students’ willingness to embrace creativity and innovation. Therefore, fostering creativity in education is closely linked to teachers’ personal values and their openness to adopting innovative, student-centered teaching approaches.

When students feel their creative expressions are valued and they are encouraged to try new approaches, they are more likely to engage deeply and persistently in their learning.        

Fostering creativity in students is not solely about providing creative tasks; it deeply depends on teachers’ values and their openness to innovative teaching methods. When educators embrace creative pedagogies, they build a learning environment that encourages students to think independently, take risks, and value originality. This supportive atmosphere empowers students, not only enhancing their creative skills but also strengthening their confidence and motivation to learn. As highlighted by PISA, the role of teachers is pivotal in shaping students’ capacity for creative thinking, which in turn equips them with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully in an evolving world.

Go on, then, teachers! You will make this happen (........and not AI!)