Cultivate creative thinking skills

M. Ganeshadeva
New Straits Times
02-10-2011
Cultivate creative thinking skills
Byline: M. Ganeshadeva
Edition: Main/Lifestyle
Section: Main Section
Type: Letter

IN our examination-oriented educational system, much emphasis is placed on memorising and rote learning.

Students are spoon-fed with model answers. They are not taught thinking skills to discover facts through their own efforts and find new applications for the knowledge learnt.
The traditional approach of enforcing obedience through strict discipline in the classroom is outdated. Such an approach produces students with narrow and stereotyped thinking that stifles creativity and innovation.

For creative thinking to flourish, the mind must be freed from the shackles of stereotyped thinking. Students should be given the space to ask questions and encouraged to contribute their ideas and input.

Some teachers may not encourage questions, input and discussions that are outside the confines of the syllabus - particularly in areas they are less knowledgeable - for fear of losing the respect of the students.

In this age, no one (let alone the teacher) can ever claim to know everything. The latest information and advances in knowledge in practically every field is available on the Internet.

Teachers should welcome and encourage new input of knowledge from their students.

Teachers should cultivate in their students the intellectual approach of inquiry, openness of mind and analytical thinking to foster clarity of thinking and critical understanding of any subject.

M. GANESHADEVA

Kuala Lumpur

(Copyright 2011)