Description
Book SynopsisA rich and playful resource for fostering creativity in the classroom
The product of over three decades of teaching design studios and creativity seminars primarily at the University of Washington, Cultivating Creativity offers firsthand, on-the-ground accounts of encouraging creative expression in the classroom. In this lively book, course instructors will find a wealth of creativity-awakening exercises and strategies that can be adapted to suit a variety of disciplines.
More than a practical guide, this book uses a combination of playful design, full-color illustrations, participant reflections, and pedagogical reflection to encourage innovation. Readers can turn to the “Who, What, Where, How, and Why” chapters for guidance on developing exercises of their own, or flip to any page for a dose of inspiration before their next creative project.
Today’s world is filled with nations, businesses, venture capitalists, and institutions of higher education in hot pursuit of “innovation.” Cultivating Creativity offers up new strategies for finding it and invites each reader to continue their search in a way only they can.
Trade Review"
Cultivating Creativity takes us on a deep dive into the power of creative thinking (and making). Through a collection of provocative exercises, Iain Robertson presents what he calls a “why-to manual” that makes the case for risk-taking and thinking outside the box to unlock the inner abilities of students, designers, and citizens." -- Jeff Hou, Professor of Landscape Architecture, University of Washington
"In this generous book, Iain shares his conviction that the work of cultivating creativity lies in unearthing and nourishing it, rather than teaching it. He invites readers to close their eyes and spin around just once so when they open their eyes, they might again see the world as the vast and strange place it is." -- Tammy Tasker, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Educational Studies Department, University of Michigan
"For any educator concerned with the “life” education of their students, I highly recommend they read, emulate, and, as Iain had hoped, elaborate on the content of this book. Iain and his colleagues have achieved what they set out to do: inspire, encourage, and provide an approach for all educators to help their students uncover their creative potential." -- John Koepke, Professor of Design, University of Minnesota
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Cultivating Creativity may show us where the crux lies with discovery learning. The hidden potential of discovery lies in opening up the mind; in cherishing the path, not the goal; and finally, in playing." -- Rolf Reber, Professor of Psychology, University of Oslo
"Iain’s work offers an ecosystem to experience and explore, not a path to follow. This book will resonate with anyone interested in harnessing the human capacity to create and to do so reflectively, joyfully, and ethically with an eye toward human flourishing as the most important goal of education." -- Leslie Rupert Herrenkohl, University of Michigan, Professor, Learning Sciences & Technology and Combined Program in Education & Psychology
