In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, creativity will be essential if we hope to solve the challenges that lie ahead and compete in a global market place. A major barrier in nurturing creativity in learners has been a powerful mismeme that suggests critical and creative thinking are distinct ways of thinking. New research is suggesting that in fact, creativity, rather than being a different way of thinking, is in fact a product of rigorous thinking. A reimagining of how we approach creativity will allow teachers to explicitly and intentionally teach the intellectual tools needed for students to successfully engage in creative problem solving. Garfield will explore a new conception of creativity and offer a framework for teaching and learning built around critical inquiry that supports educators in teaching and assessing creativity by helping students to develop the intellectual tools they will need to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
Presented by: Garfield Gini-Newman, TC2
Audience: All levels
About the facilitator:
Garfield, senior national consultant with The Critical Thinking Consortium and Senior Lecturer at OISE/University of Toronto, speaks across Canada and internationally on critical thinking, brain compatible classrooms, curriculum design and effective assessment practice and nurturing 21st century skills in a digital world. In addition to his work at the University of Toronto and delivering workshops, Garfield has also authored seven textbooks and has taught in the faculties of education at York University and the University of British Columbia. Garfield’s work with educators often has a transformative impact on teaching and learning as he blends humour with a deep understanding of effective curriculum design centred around the infusion of critical thinking for all.