Unleashing Creativity in Higher Education

Sir Ken Robinson, in his influential 2006 Ted Talk, boldly asserted that creativity is as crucial in education as literacy, "My contention is that creativity now is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status." He challenged the traditional education system, emphasising the need to nurture creativity, not as an optional addition but as a fundamental necessity.

Today, creativity stands as the pulsating life force of our civilisation, shaping our progress and cultural evolution. As we explore the role of creativity in higher education, LCI Education, with its global tagline "The World is Your Classroom," takes centre stage. In particular, LCI Melbourne's distinctive Different By Design approach to art, design, and entrepreneurship education exemplifies a commitment beyond just bonus points for creativity.

This thought piece delves into the intricacies of LCI Melbourne's educational philosophy, exploring how thematic learning, centred around Self, Place, and the Other, not only nurtures personal and professional development but becomes a catalyst for unleashing creativity in the hearts, hands, and minds of students.

The Essence of Creativity: A Legacy from Sir Ken Robinson

In his seminal Ted Talk, Sir Ken Robinson advocated for a paradigm shift, asserting that creativity is not an optional skill but a fundamental necessity for navigating the complexities of the modern world. The late visionary challenged the conventional approach to education, emphasising that fostering creativity is vital for progress. Creativity, he argued, is not just an artistic skill but a driving factor behind innovation and societal advancement.

Unpacking the Characteristics of Creative Beings

Before delving into how LCI Education integrates creativity into its curriculum, it's essential to understand the characteristics of effective creative individuals. Creativity is fuelled by curiosity, compassion, courage, and conviction. LCI Melbourne adopts these characteristics as pillars, actively engaging students to be curious, compassionate, courageous, and guided by strong convictions.

Different By Design: LCI Melbourne's Creative Pedagogy

LCI Melbourne's Different By Design approach translates the key characteristics of effective creatives into actionable pedagogy. The institution nurtures curiosity by encouraging active participation and presence in the learning journey. Compassion is instilled by focusing on human-centered art, design and entrepreneurship, prioritising the impact on users' dignity, empowerment, and personal security.

LCI Melbourne instils courage by urging learners to lean into their inherent potential, fostering mastery of art and design principles, and an entrepreneurship mindset, through embracing mistakes and risks as integral parts of the creative process. Conviction is woven into the curriculum by modelling honesty, transparency, and legal accountability, ensuring a balance between profit, people, planet, practice, and purpose.

In the realm of higher education, particularly within LCI Melbourne, the approach to creativity differs significantly from traditional disciplines. At LCI Melbourne, creativity is not confined to text-based assessments. It unfolds in performances, moving images, digital works, presentations and pitches, and tangible artifacts like 3D models, fashion garments, paintings, or sculptures. These works showcase individual authorship, emphasising originality and subjective elements. The Different By Design approach amplifies creativity through thematic learning grounded in real-life experiences, fostering connections across time, place, and disciplines.

The journey unfolds over two years and six trimesters, each with a distinct focus. The first year emphasises personal growth—exploration, foundation, and a deep understanding of social, cultural, and environmental stewardship. The second-year shifts to professional growth, navigating the global creative industries, real-world industry briefs, and finally, the culmination of a student's professional voice in their capstone work during the Self phase.

This thematic approach transcends traditional classroom boundaries, aligning with cooperative learning principles. It ensures that learning is not only comprehensive but also personally meaningful and transferable to real-world contexts. Self, Place, and the Other are not just themes; they are integral to shaping a transformative educational experience.

In essence, LCI Melbourne's Different By Design approach embodies a holistic philosophy, nurturing both personal and professional development. It goes beyond the conventional, echoing Sir Ken Robinson's call for a paradigm shift in education—a shift towards embracing creativity not as an extra but as a core element of one’s educational journey.

Community Impact Through Creativity

Effective creatives understand the power of community. LCI Education, embracing the tagline of The World is Your Classroom, actively promotes building networks, empowering individuals, and creating a global community that appreciates creativity as an agent of social change. Responsible innovation and adding value to collective human advancement become the focus, shaping students into ambassadors of positive societal transformation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LCI Melbourne's Different By Design approach is more than a pedagogical philosophy; it's a roadmap for unleashing creativity in higher education. By weaving thematic learning into the fabric of our curriculum, LCI Melbourne not only prepares students for the dynamic creative industries but also cultivates a mindset where knowledge is not just acquired but experienced, where creativity is not just a skill but a way of navigating the complexities of the modern world. And through amplifying curiosity, compassion, courage, and conviction into its curriculum, LCI Melbourne positions itself as a pioneer in fostering creativity and innovation in higher education. The world indeed becomes the classroom, and through responsible innovation, LCI Melbourne ensures that creativity is not just a skill but a transformative force shaping the future of individuals and societies alike.

Adriano Di Prato is a best-selling author, broadcaster, and the Academic Operations Manager at LCI Melbourne, a progressive art, design + entrepreneurship private institute of higher education.