Daniel Pink in his book “A Whole New Mind” clearly states the importance of the right brain (creative) thinkers in the 21st century. He says: “In an age of abundance, appealing only to rational, logical and functional needs is woefully insufficient – mastery of design, empathy, play and other seemingly “soft” aptitudes is now the main way for individuals and firms to stand out in a crowded marketplace.”
If you haven’t read the book, I suggest you do and share it with a colleague. In fact, you should run out to your local book store or order it online as soon as you finish reading this post.
At the link below you’ll read about a study called What does ‘creativity’ mean? You will see the connection or ‘disconnection’ of how we prepare kids for work in schools today. Mr. Pink asks a question that we periodically hear, “Are timed, standardized tests the way to ready youngsters for real-world problem solving?” Problem solving, creativity… we keep hearing them in reference to the needs for 21st century skills and preparing students for life after high school. These words aren’t foreign to visual or performing arts teachers. In fact, they are so integral to what we do as arts educators that Standard C of the Maine Learning Results is Creative Problem-Solving.
Along with checking out the link to Daniel Pink’s page, please take a few minutes to go to the Partners for 21st Century Skills page. Did you know that Maine is one of 10 states in the partnership? Look at the Framework and notice how important arts education is in the Partners for 21st Century Skills thinking.
