Creativity in Adulthood. ERIC Digest No. 204.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Creativity in Adulthood. ERIC Digest No. 204.
Language: English
Authors: Kerka, Sandra, ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education, Columbus, OH.
Availability: Web site: http://ericacve.org/digests.asp
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 4
Publication Date: 1999
Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Document Type: ERIC Publications
ERIC Digests in Full Text
Descriptors: Adult Development, Adult Education, Adult Educators, Adult Learning, Aging (Individuals), Creativity, Creativity Research, Lifelong Learning, Teaching Methods
Abstract: Popular misconceptions about creativity include the following: it is limited to a few unique individuals, it declines seriously with age, and it is associated with uniqueness or innovation. As the focus of creativity research has shifted from examination of the personality traits of creative individuals to examination of the social and environmental factors that affect creativity, thinking about creativity in general and creativity in relation to adult development and aging has changed significantly. Due to increases in life expectancy and the slowing of physical aging, many adults are not reaching their most creative period until after age 50. Furthermore, some research implies that formal schooling may actually hinder rather than foster creative thinking. Several researchers have identified strategies educators can use to help people develop their creative potential: creating a climate that encourages assertion of ideas rather than reliance on order and tradition, creating a safe place for risk taking, and encouraging a spirit of play and experimentation. Personal, social, and environmental barriers to creativity might be overcome by embracing a cross-cultural definition of creativity: finding and shaping one's life perception and telling one's experiences through creative expression. (Contains 17 references) (MN)
Entry Date: 1999
Accession Number: ED429186
Database: ERIC
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