REFLECTIONS OF CREATIVITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY CLASSROOM

Year 2021, Volume: 4 Issue: 1, 100 - 108, 31.01.2021

Mutlu Soykurt

Abstract

Creativity has long been on the agenda of those innovative and inspirational teachers who have devoted themselves to doing their jobs more effectively. 21st century teachers are required to fit their skills, abilities and thinking skills into the latest improvements and changes in effective learning pedagogies and look for ways not only to make necessary adaptations in their curriculum, but also go beyond to stimulate learners to develop certain thinking skills to learn. Drawing on an action research, this study focuses on innovative teaching strategies and some out-of-the-box ideas about the way teachers should convert their ideas to be effective in class to shed a new light on effective teaching. With this aim in mind, the study concentrated on investigating the effect of the creativity on the overall success of the 40 intermediate level students learning English. The study conducted employed a quasi-experimental research design. The researcher designed various creative activities and techniques on the basis of three models: The Simplex Process Model (Basadur, 1995), CATWOE (Checkland, 1960) and the Reframing Matrix Tool (Morgan, 1993). These activities were then applied them in her English language classes. As a result of the activities and techniques implemented in foreign language classes, it was noted that there are certain advantages to using creative activities in EFL classes. These include: (i) developing students’ divergent thinking skills, memory power, brain processing speed, critical thinking skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills through facilitating active participation and student engagement, insights and conflict resolution; (ii) improving students’ concentration through mindfulness and nasal breathing practice; (iii) encouraging an atmosphere of openness; (iv) involving direct and experiential learning; (v) promoting lifelong learning. Development of such knowledge and skills through creative activities based on theoretical models fosters 21st century skills which are crucial for the learners in today’s world.

Keywords

Creativity,, 21 st century learners,, reflections,, innovative teaching activities,

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