By: Mihika Sharma
Abstract
Creativity
The ability to make or produce new things using skill or imagination is known as creativity. It is the tendency to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities that may be useful in solving problems, communicating with others, and entertaining ourselves and others.
Why is Creativity Important?
Creativity is extremely important because of the following reasons:
● Creativity engages the mind.
● Creativity frees the mind in a way that enables a person to absorb knowledge
more easily. It makes processing learning more efficient
● Creativity enables alternative ways of thinking.
● It unblocks old patterns or habits of thinking. It allows for non-linear thinking.
● Creativity enables empathy.
● Creativity connects us to ourselves.
However, the creativity that shapes a child/adolescent's life is considered a ‘waste of time’ by many schools/colleges.
How Academia Ignores Creativity
Standardization Over Individualism: Academia is often focused on
standardization and measurable outcomes, which tend to prioritize conformity
over creativity. The rigid structures of tests and curriculum designs push students toward rote learning, leaving little room for innovative thought or personal expression. This is particularly evident in how academic success is defined through metrics, limiting creative minds who may not fit conventional molds of performance. This emphasis on conformity can stifle creativity in both teaching and learning environments.
Tenure System and Resistance to Change: The tenure system in academia is
designed to protect academic freedom, but it can also entrench established
norms and discourage innovative perspectives. Senior faculty may resist
changes that challenge existing paradigms, making it difficult for emerging
scholars to introduce novel ideas. Such environments can suppress creativity, as professors might fear repercussions or lack support for exploring unconventional ideas.
Creativity in Teaching and Curriculum Design: Teaching within academia
often emphasizes fact-based learning and less on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Multiple-choice exams and standardized testing are
typical, focusing on memorization rather than encouraging students to develop
creative solutions or think critically. As a result, students who excel in creative
thinking may feel undervalued or penalized, reducing their engagement with
learning.
Nurturing Creativity vs. Knowledge Accumulation: There is an ongoing
debate about whether the focus on knowledge accumulation and
expertise-building inherently limits creative thinking. While deep knowledge is
essential, creativity often requires thinking beyond existing knowledge. However,
academia sometimes undervalues personal narratives or exploratory research
that challenges disciplinary boundaries, viewing them as less scholarly or
rigorous.
Examinations: Exams are prioritised by everyone. ‘Grades define you’ is what
people think these days. A child is forced to let go of their passion (such as
dance, art, craft, etc) and is told to study.
Persuasive Faculty: The teaching faculty is extremely persuasive. They
make the parents/guardians of the child believe that their child can get nowhere if they don't get good grades. The teaching faculty also makes the child believe that he's a failure just because they got a bad grade.
The academia neglects a child's creativity, there are negligible ways through which a child can showcase his talent and creativity.
Impact on Students' Motivation
Students who feel restricted by academia’s rigid structures often experience burnout or disengagement. The pressure to conform can discourage students from pursuing unique interests or alternative paths, ultimately affecting their mental well-being and motivation. Most of the students start feeling unvalued which often leads to demotivation, students start to consider themselves as a failure and slowly give up on everything.
Impact on Students' Mental Health
Neglecting creativity in academic settings can have significant impacts on students' mental health. When schools prioritize rote learning and standardized testing over creative pursuits, it can stifle students' natural curiosity, limit self-expression, and create a rigid environment that hinders personal growth. Here are some of the primary effects on mental health:
Increased Stress and Anxiety: A system that focuses solely on academic
performance can increase stress, especially if students feel pressured to meet high academic standards without any creative outlets. Creativity allows for a release of mental tension, so without it, students may experience heightened stress and anxiety.
Reduced Motivation and Enagement: When creativity is neglected, students may become disengaged from their studies. This lack of engagement can lead to a decrease in motivation and excitement for learning, making them feel as though they are simply going through the motions rather than learning for personal growth or curiosity.
Low Self-Esteem and Confidence: Creativity allows students to develop unique
talents and explore their strengths. Without this, students may feel as though they don’t bring anything special to the table, impacting their self-worth and making them question their abilities.
Inhibited Emotional Expression: Creative activities such as art, music, and writing
are natural outlets for self-expression. When these are removed from academic
programs, students lose valuable ways to express emotions and manage complex feelings, which can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, and isolation.
Increased Risk of Burn Out: Creativity fosters mental flexibility and resilience,
helping students avoid burnout by balancing the intense focus required in academics. Without these breaks for creative expression, students may become more prone to academic burnout and its associated symptoms, like exhaustion and loss of interest in studies.
Reduced problem-solving Skills: Creativity promotes critical thinking and
problem-solving. When students lack opportunities for creative thinking, it can make it harder for them to think outside the box, impacting their ability to navigate challenges both in and out of school.
Inhibited Social Skills and Connections: Collaborative creative activities build
teamwork and social bonds, which contribute to mental well-being. Without these opportunities, students may miss out on connecting with peers, affecting their social development and leaving them feeling isolated.
Depression: Ignorance of their passion or creativity can often lead to depression as the child thinks he's not being heard and is considered as ‘unimportant’.
Solutions
Integrating creativity into academia supports not only intellectual but also emotional development. Allowing room for creativity in education can enhance students' mental health, making them more resilient, self-assured, and prepared for the diverse challenges of life.
Nurturing creativity is essential because it equips individuals with the ability to think
critically, solve complex problems, and adapt to new situations—skills crucial in a rapidly changing world. Creative thinking allows people to approach challenges with flexibility and innovation, which is valuable in nearly every field, from science and engineering to art and business. Encouraging creativity also fosters self-expression, confidence, and emotional resilience, helping individuals to understand themselves and their world more deeply. Moreover, creativity drives progress by inspiring new ideas, technologies, and solutions that improve lives and contribute to society’s advancement. In essence, creativity nurtures personal growth and fuels societal development, making it a fundamental part of education and life.
Hence, schools/colleges/universities need to nurture creativity as it is important for
student’s mental and emotional development.
References:
1. Kelsey, R. (2020, November 10). Does education stifle creativity? Psychology
Today.
ion-stifle-creativity
2. Faber, J. (2020, July 14). Academia killed my creativity. Professors at Play.
3. Adhikari, A. (2019, September 1). Is competition stifling creativity in science? The
Scientist.
30330
4. Dexa AI. (2023). Creativity.
5. University of California, Northridge. (n.d.). Creativity: Definition. California State
University, Northridge.
0defined%20as%20the,and%20entertaining%20ourselves%20and%20others
Comments