Britfield Institute Programs

Creativity, Education & the Future of Children
Think • Engage • Create

Decisions are critical for fulfilling creative potentials. When schools and organizations value creativity, they make decisions that lead to creative behavior. Psychologist Dr. Robert Epstein said that no gene or any other factor predisposes some individuals toward creativity and others not. A study in Holland shows that even a slight change in your routine can lead to a more than 14% increase in creative performance. Research has tied the creative process to innovation, invention, discovery, imagination, intelligence, and a high quality of life. This applies to creative thinking and decisions about what kinds of solutions to consider when faced with a problem and what kind of ideas to explore and express.

Research indicates that different parts of the brain are activated and deactivated when people engage in different types of creative thinking. Studies show that the human brain recognizes patterns. This makes mental pathways and connections stronger. As we age, most-used memories and habits are reinforced. This process can often hinder creative ideas and activity. However, the act of being creative strengthens certain parts of the brain.

The job of the innovator is to defy the norm in a quest for creative solutions. Marty Neumeire argues that a genius is, “Anyone who turns insight into innovation, and in the process, changes our view of the world.” Creativity can be cultivated, but it takes practice and training. Dr. Kim writes that “Part of maintaining a healthy, creative climate is avoiding addictive behaviors, whether drugs, Facebook, television or video games, which kills creativity.” Rex Jung, University of New Mexico neuropsychologist, concludes that those who practice creative activities can actually build brain tissue and learn to recruit their brains creative networks quicker and better.