As an aesthetic education teacher, my first thoughts are: how can one 'teach' creativity (it is innate, meaning you are born with it) and if you teach creativity, how would you actually measure/assess if the learner 'learned' it? It is way out there for my cerebral (but creative) brain to comprehend.
But, as I always do, I started thinking. Entrepreneurs create businesses. Entrepreneurs are not necessarily painters, dancers or musicians but they create non the less. They must be creative and think critically in order to achieve success.
Most people believe that if you are an artist, most likely you will not be good at business. Artists are notoriously known for being all over they place intellectually. passionately,emotinally...lack of focus...procrastinators....starting many things but finishing none...etc. On the other hand, if you are a business minded person you most likely are regimented, organized, logical and sequential in your thinking.
So, what if we teach kids to do both? Think creatively and critically. I try to do this (as all conscientious teacher do), but to get a degree in this is fascinating. One can now possibly major in the Fine Arts undergraduate and then pursue a graduate degree in 'Creativity'. I will copy and paste the description of the degree from one of the universities that offers it. It reads as follows:
You have a gratifying artistic pursuit and dream of dedicating your life to it. But transforming your talent into a venture that pays the bills isn’t as easy as it sounds. If you’re looking for a way to creatively pursue your passion and earn a living, consider our new Master of Fine Arts in Creativity.
No More Starving Artists
Traditional MFA programs focus on perfecting a single area of artistic study. Our new MFA in Creativity is designed to be unique: it blends art, creativity, and entrepreneurship in a way that will prepare you to have a regular, sustainable income.
During this program, you will:
Well, it is something to think about. I just wanted to teach you what I learned today. Once a teacher...always a teacher.
Ms. B.