The Creative Classroom

The Creative Classroom presents an original, compelling vision of schools where teaching and learning are centered on creativity. Drawing on the latest research as well as his studies of jazz and improvised theater, Sawyer describes curricula and classroom practices that will help educators get started with a new style of teaching, guided improvisation, where students are given freedom to explore within structures provided by the teacher. Readers will learn how to improve learning outcomes in all subjects—from science and math to history and language arts—by helping students master content-area standards at the same time as they increase their creative potential. This book shows how teachers and school leaders can work together to overcome all-too-common barriers to creative teaching—leadership, structure, and culture—and collaborate to transform schools into creative organizations.

“This work will make it easier for educators to harness and develop the creative potential of the people around them—young or old.”
—Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Claremont Graduate University

“This guide is important for all educators that are seeking to be in sync with the changing demands of the 21st century.”
—Kylie Peppler, Indiana University Bloomington

“Keith Sawyer has written a wise and judicious book that will challenge and inspire teachers at all levels and in all disciplines.”
—Ellen Winner, Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education

“Keith Sawyer is a field leader in studies of creativity and education and he does not disappoint with this text. If teachers take one thing from this book, it’s to say ‘Yes!’ to kids’ voices.”
—Erica Halverson, University of Wisconsin–Madison