Raising Creativity: Exploring How Creativity Can be Nurtured in Educational Contexts

The question of how we can encourage creative capacities in young people has never been more relevant than it is today (Pink, 2006; Robinson as cited in TEDtalksDirector, 2007; Eisner as cited in VanderbiltUniversity, 2009). While the world is rapidly evolving, education has the great challenge of adapting to keep up. Scholars say that to meet the needs of 21st century learners, pedagogy must focus on fostering creative skills to enable students to manage in a future we cannot yet envision (Robinson as cited in TEDtalksDirector, 2007). Further, research demonstrates that creativity thrives with autonomy, support, and without judgment (Amabile, 1996; Codack [Zak], 2010; Harrington, Block, & Block, 1987; Holt, 1989; Kohn, 1993). So how well are schools doing in this regard? How do alternative models of education nurture or neglect creativity, and how can this inform teaching practice all around? In other words, ultimately, how can we nurture creativity in education? This documentary explores these questions from a scholarly art-based perspective. Artist/researcher/teacher Rebecca Zak builds on her experience in the art studio, academia, and the art classroom to investigate the various philosophies and strategies that diverse educational models implement to illuminate the possibilities for educational and paradigmatic transformation. The Raising Creativity documentary project consists of multiple parts across multiple platforms. There are five videos in the series that answer the why, who, how, what, and now what about creativity in education respectively (i.e., why is this topic important, who has spoken/written on this topic already, how will this issue be investigated this time, what was observed during the inquiry, and now what will this mean going forward?). There is also a self-reflexive blog that addresses certain aspects of the topic in greater depth (located here, on this website) and in the context of Rebecca's lived experience to complement the video format. Together, all video and blog artifacts housed on this website function as a polyptych, wherein the pieces can stand alone individually yet are intended to work together and fulfill the dissertation requirements for Rebecca's doctorate degree in education in reimagined ways.

Indenture between Duncan and Margaret McFarland and Duncan Campbell

Indenture (vellum) of bargain and sale between Duncan and Margaret McFarland of Port Robinson to Duncan Campbell of Port Robinson for part of Lot no. 202 in the township of Thorold - instrument no. 673, November 30, 1847.

Certification of Commissioners of Forfeited Estates

Certification of the document by which the Honourable James Baby, James Macauley, Grant Powell, George Crookshanks, William Allen and Peter Robinson as Commissioners of forfeited estates sold 80 acres in Lot 11, Concession 7, Grantham Township to Louis Traver. This document was registered on Nov. 11, 1822. The instrument no. is 6185, Jan. 11, 1822. This is a typewritten 5 page copy. The certification took place Oct. 2, 1926.

Statement that Dr. Richard S. King became accountable for a Debt Owed to him by Dilly Coleman

Statement of Frederick Dilke of Port Robinson that Dr. Richard S. King became accountable for a debt owed to him by Dilly Coleman. The debt was assumed by Dr. Richard S. King, Sept. 24, 1850.

Letter to Mr. Joseph Woodruff

Letter to Mr. Joseph Woodruff stating that the affidavit which was taken by him [Joseph Woodruff] over a year since of Richard and William Woodruff attesting to the death of Richard Clement and of James Duffin Cleveland for Lot no.30, Concession 2 of Enniskillen was held by Mr. Thomas Bell and agents. All of his papers were consumed by a fire. The writer asks for a new form to be drawn. [The letter is unsigned but is from Port Robinson and most likely written by Samuel D. Woodruff], Dec. 4, 1848.

Letter to Mr. Thomas Bell

Letter to Mr. Thomas Bell asking him to use all due diligence to bring this claim before the committee. [This letter is unsigned but is from Port Robinson and likely written by Samuel D. Woodruff], Dec. 15, 1848.

Letter and envelope addressed to Mr. Samuel D. Woodruff of St. Catharines

Letter and envelope addressed to Mr. Samuel D. Woodruff of St. Catharines. The envelope is postmarked St. Catharines, Dec. 31, 1887, Port Robinson, Dec. 31, 1887 and Welland, Dec. 31, 1887. The letter to S.D. Woodruff from Calvin Cudney and it says that he has enclosed $35 in interest, Dec. 29, 1887.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Fred Holmes

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Fred Holmes regarding the work done on the east side of the rail track. He gives the measurement of work done by W. Robinson, May 18, 1860.

Notes on the proposed roadway

Notes on the proposed roadway (1 page, handwritten), n.d.

Letter regarding an estimate on the amount of money needed for the construction of the road

Letter regarding an estimate on the amount of money needed for the construction of the road. The salutation is “Sir”. There is no signature, May 28, 1855.

Abstract of the forging

Abstract of the forging (1 page, handwritten) n.d.

Estimate of cash of plank road for 1 mile and estimate of gravel macadamized road for one mile

Estimate of cash of plank road for 1 mile and estimate of gravel macadamized road for one mile, n.d.

Chart of estimate #5 of work done in February

Chart of estimate #5 of work done in February. This is signed by S.D. Woodruff and Fred Holmes, Feb. 29, 1856.

Chart of estimate #6 of work done from the end of February to April, 1856

Chart of estimate #6 of work done from the end of February to April, 1856. This is signed by Fred Holmes, April, 1856.

Chart of estimate #7 of work done by John Williams during the month of May. This is signed by Fred Holmes, May 29, 1856

Chart of estimate #7 of work done by John Williams during the month of May. This is signed by Fred Holmes, May 29, 1856.