Have we lost our everyday creativity?
In the latest episode of the “Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast,” hosts Cyndi Burnett and Matthew Worwood engage in a thought-provoking conversation with esteemed guest Dr. Ruth Richards, an expert on everyday creativity.
The trio delves into the concept of emergence, highlighting its unpredictable nature and its parallels to learning, growth, and societal development. Dr. Richards challenges the traditional reliance on IQ testing as the sole measure of creativity, referencing the historical context provided by psychologist Abraham Maslow and his collaboration with Thorndike on the idea of self-actualization. This conversation emphasizes the importance of nurturing individual strengths and interests to foster a more inclusive and creative educational environment.
The episode also touches on practical ways to integrate creativity into the classroom. Dr. Richards suggests three actionable tips for educators: ask questions to provoke thought, explore the creativity inherent in nature, and cultivate a mindful state of creativity. These methods aim to encourage a new normal in education—one that embraces diversity, individuality, and dynamic change.
Emergence is about humility, because how many things are emergent?
The stock market, the weather, the growth out the window, what our
child learns to do tomorrow, all of this, we may not be able to
predict it at all. The whole is greater than the sum of its part.Dr. Ruth Richards
Dr. Ruth Richards is a Professor of Psychology at Saybrook University, specializing in Consciousness, Spirituality, Integrative Health, and Creativity Studies. She conducts qualitative research and collaborates with Ahimsa Berkeley, an interfaith social action group. Currently in Brooklyn, she is involved with BWAC, a major nonprofit artists’ organization. Dr. Richards has published extensively, including editing Everyday Creativity and New Views of Human Nature, and has received the Arnheim Award from the American Psychological Association for lifetime achievement in psychology and the arts. Her work explores the benefits of creativity for personal, ethical, and spiritual growth, empathy, and applications of Chaos Theory in the modern world.
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