The Creativity Advantage with Dr. James Kaufman

In this double expresso of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome back to the show Dr. James Kaufman, a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut and one of the leading researchers in the field of creativity.

 

In the second part of this double expresso, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett unpack his recent book, “The Creativity Advantage,” with Dr. James Kaufman. The discussion focuses on the five benefits of creativity: self-insight, healing, connection, drive, and legacy. He explains that these areas were developed in response to the lack of emphasis on the practical benefits of creativity and the need to articulate why creativity is important. Kaufman also touches on the anti-creativity bias that exists in society and how it can hinder the recognition and acceptance of creativity.

 

The conversation also touches on the link between creativity and success in different domains, such as education and work performance. Dr. Kaufman acknowledges that while the connection is not always strongly evident, creative thinking can bring unique benefits to individuals and organizations. He also explores the biases and misconceptions surrounding creativity, including the desire for creativity within established frameworks and the resistance to change that can arise.Furthermore, Dr. Kaufman emphasizes the connection between creativity and mental health. He highlights the research on the therapeutic power of creative expression, such as art therapy and writing. Through these insights, the episode aims to challenge preconceived notions about creativity and inspire educators to integrate creativity into teaching and learning practices.