Creating the Future: Why Schools Must Teach Creativity | Defne Balıktay | TEDxYaşamTasarımSchools
Schools should teach creativity because education should go beyond memorizing facts, which can demotivate students. Creativity makes learning more engaging and helps students approach problems from different perspectives, think critically, and find original solutions. It’s not limited to art or music but is essential in science, technology, and everyday life. Many groundbreaking inventions, like the light bulb and smartphones, were born from creative thinking.
To foster creativity, schools need to provide an environment where it can grow. Like math or reading, creativity is a skill that can be taught and developed. Encouraging curiosity and allowing students to ask questions, explore ideas, and tackle open-ended projects are effective ways to nurture it. For example, students could design their own experiments in science or rewrite classic story endings in literature. These activities help students become confident, resilient, and eager to learn.
In a rapidly changing world, critical thinking, adaptability, and imagination are crucial. Creativity equips students with these skills, preparing them to become future leaders and innovators. Therefore, creativity should be at the core of education. Building creative minds in schools is the first step toward building a better world. Defne Balıktay is an energetic and enthusiastic high school freshman. As an active member of her school’s volleyball club, she combines her love for sports with teamwork and discipline, excelling both on and off the court. Known for her friendly and positive personality, Defne enjoys participating in various activities and inspires those around her with her energy.Her dedication to balancing academics and athletics reflects her determination and strong work ethic. Always eager to learn and grow, Defne is a natural team player and a role model among her peers, embodying the qualities of resilience, curiosity, and leadership. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 2:34Make Friends with AI, Learn Smarter | William Wang | TEDxHarrow Nanning YouthIn this speech, William, a Grade 2 student, introduces the exciting role of AI in future learning. Through real-life examples, he explains how AI can be a helpful study partner—answering questions, practicing speaking, and even correcting homework. He encourages students to use AI wisely, but also emphasizes the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and self-learning. William Wang, a G2 student from AISL Harrow Nanning. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:11Cosa è la verità | Gianni Riotta | TEDxCuneoGiorgio Metta esplora il rapporto tra l’essere umano e le nuove frontiere della tecnologia, sottolineando l'importanza di affrontare i timori legati al suo impiego, attraverso una comprensione approfondita ed un uso responsabile. Ci offrirà una prospettiva preziosa alle domande: come possiamo garantire che le macchine agiscano sempre a vantaggio dell’uomo? Come bilanciare l’innovazione con la responsabilità etica? E, soprattutto, come resistere alla tentazione di delegare alla tecnologia decisioni che spettano all’uomo? a This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 16:26Oltre il silenzio: ripensare la morte e la cura | Marina Sozzi | TEDxCuneoIl tema del morire è sempre stato un tabù, qualcosa da cui rifuggire, soprattutto nel discorso pubblico. È davvero ancora così o abbiamo trovato strategie per affrontare la morte e discuterne? È davvero possibile parlare di morte o conosciamo realmente solo la vita? Parlare di ciò che accade attorno alla morte, di fine vita e di accompagnamento dei malati - non solo inguaribili, ma anche cronici - attraverso le cure palliative dovrebbe avere sempre più spazio nella nostra società al fine di stimolare un approccio più consapevole alla morte e per costruire nuovi percorsi di cura per la medicina contemporanea. Filosofa e tanatologa, è responsabile dell’Ufficio Culturale di Fondazione Faro di Torino. Cura il blog Si può dire morte. Ha insegnato Tanatologia all’Università di Torino. Tra i suoi volumi: Ripensare la morte (2009); e Non sono il mio tumore (2019). This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:41Perchè non possiamo resistere all'IA (se facciamo le cose fatte bene) | Giorgio Metta | TEDxCuneoGiorgio Metta esplora in profondità il rapporto tra l’essere umano e le nuove frontiere della tecnologia, sottolineando l'importanza di affrontare i timori legati al suo impiego, attraverso una comprensione approfondita ed un uso responsabile. Una prospettiva diversa alle domande: come possiamo garantire che le macchine agiscano sempre a vantaggio dell’uomo? Come bilanciare l’innovazione con la responsabilità etica? E, soprattutto, come resistere alla tentazione di delegare alla tecnologia decisioni che spettano all’uomo? Giorgio Metta è il direttore scientifico dell’Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT). Postdoc presso il prestigioso AI-Lab del Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), ha lavorato presso l’Università di Genova, professore di Robotica Cognitiva presso l’università di Plymouth e visiting professor all’Università di Manchester. Per conto di IIT ha gestito i rapporti con gli enti finanziatori e le relazioni internazionali ed è stato membro del CdA di euRobotics aisbl, associazione di riferimento per la robotica europea. Ha coordinato la partecipazione a 2 dei centri di competenza del MISE per l'industria 4.0 (ARTES4.0, START4.0). È stato uno dei 3 rappresentanti italiani al forum G7 sull'IA e uno degli autori dell'Agenda Strategica Italiana sull'IA. Ha coordinato lo sviluppo del robot iCub per oltre un decennio. Autore o co-autore di più di 300 pubblicazioni scientifiche, ha lavorato come PI in una dozzina di progetti di ricerca internazionali ed industriali. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 3:01AI Adventure: Exploring the Digital World!! | Prince Wong | TEDxHarrow Nanning YouthPrince, a Grade 3 student from Harrow Nanning, takes the audience on a fun, imaginative “AI adventure” through three themed islands, showing how Artificial Intelligence is already changing our world and how even young students can take part in building the future with it. The speech combines enthusiasm, storytelling, and practical advice. Prince Wong, a G3 student from AISL Harrow Nanning. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:37Bigger Than Fire | Christian Elvin Domingo, LPT | TEDxRizalStreetIn this heartfelt TEDx talk, firefighter F01 Christian Elvin V. Domingo shares the unseen emotional and psychological battles faced by those in public service—battles that are bigger than fire. Through personal stories of trauma, loss, and resilience, he reveals how renewing the mind, physical wellness, and digital detox can help anyone stay strong amid life’s toughest challenges. Christian Elvin V. Domingo is a Fire Officer 1 with the Bureau of Fire Protection, a licensed professional teacher, musician/songwriter, and head pastor of "Restoration Church" in his town. Married with a two-year-old daughter, he creates TikTok content on fire safety, music, and spirituality. Since 2020, he has been teaching children and youth in his community, with a growing program. His passion for writing songs and creating music aims to inspire individuals by fostering hope and self-worth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx