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Structured Uncertainty: How Creativity Thrives Under Constraints and Uncertainty

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Creativity Under Duress in Education?

Part of the book series: Creativity Theory and Action in Education ((CTAE,volume 3))

Abstract

Creativity is often associated with slogans like “think outside the box,” which imply that creativity dwells outside of constraints. Given that schools and classrooms are filled with constraints, including increased pressures from accountability mandates, it makes sense that people may come to believe that creativity is under duress, in a state of crisis, or that “schools kill creativity.” In this chapter, I offer an alternative perspective. More specifically, I discuss how creativity always operates in constraints and that creative expression emerges from structured experiences with uncertainty. Rather than viewing constraints as stifling creativity, I argue that they actually serve as a supportive structure for creative thought and action in educational settings.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA

    Ronald A. Beghetto

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  1. Ronald A. Beghetto
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Correspondence to Ronald A. Beghetto .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Blacksburg Campus, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA

    Carol A. Mullen

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Beghetto, R.A. (2019). Structured Uncertainty: How Creativity Thrives Under Constraints and Uncertainty. In: Mullen, C.A. (eds) Creativity Under Duress in Education?. Creativity Theory and Action in Education, vol 3. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90272-2_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90272-2_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-90271-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-90272-2

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

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