"I've come to understand that creativity, which is often associated with generating novel ideas, is most impactful when coupled with utility, value, and feasibility to be truly innovative. This understanding pushes me to consider not only how I present historical information, but also how students can use this knowledge to develop original and relevant insights. The seemingly frivolous realms of play and humor, rather than being distractions, are in fact powerful catalysts for both creativity and innovation, fostering a mindset that welcomes exploration, novelty, and the establishment of connections that might otherwise be overlooked."
-- R.A. from California
"This course taught me that the most powerful tools for enhancing creativity and innovation are play and humor. Of course, at the very beginning, I couldn't imagine how much comedy shows or even some improvisation games could affect musical creativity, but through this course, it became pretty obvious that such elements will help us find new ideas and solutions to problems in a more playful way. It taught me that creativity need not always arise from serious or formal thinking but also it can come when one is at play, humorist, or playful."
-- T.G. from Michigan
"I learned many new things throughout the course: Fueling Creativity Through Play and Humor. I learned the actual definitions of play and humor and how they can help teachers help students learn to the best of their ability. When students are having fun or feelings like they are enjoying themselves, they are more eager to learn and learn well. The importance of play was reinforced as a really important aspect of life- inside and outside of school. Play time should be carved out in one’s schedule from childhood to adulthood- people of all ages."
--M.C. from Massachusetts
"I am actually really surprised by what I am taking away from the course. I was expecting more practical takeaways, but what I am actually taking away is a paradigm shift. I have a whole new way of thinking about and viewing creativity and the creative process, not only in the classroom but also personally. I am looking forward to adding creativity and play to my teaching and classroom."
-- N.E. from California
"As an educator, this course has taught me to take a step back with students and determine how I think they generate ideas and the methods of thinking that they utilize. It has enlightened me to take a step back and watch their play. It has also taught me to encourage their creativity and continue to improve my own. So often it is easy to become complacent and get stuck in the same activities day in and day out. I want to adapt my plans and engage my students in ways that I have not before. This course will definitely be a useful tool for my future in education."
-- A.Y. from Missouri
"The single best point of the course that I found enlightening was in Module 4, Humor, Creativity and Innovation. The notion that humor does so much more than simply deliver pithy and measured amounts of comedy was the reason I selected this course. The idea that humor can offer different points of view on serious subjects is just the type of study we need in our world today. Another useful idea in the same reading was that the use of humor can suggest that change is needed without alienating most of your audience because you want to deliver the humor but give it a message that is well-contained within the punchline."
-- P.D. from Massachusetts