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
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