Are schools killing creativity?

Blogs i read:
http://acttwointermission.blogspot.com
http://jzhang7.blogspot.com/

In these blogs, the question was raised are schools killing creativity. In my opinion, I would say that some schools are hindering creativity, while others are enhancing it. In some schools, extracurricular activities are cut because of funding, music and art classes are not offered or are not offered as honor classes, or special activities like guest lecturers are not an option. However, in other schools, creative writing classes are offered and after school programs like Math Team or Debate Team, are encouraged. In the classroom, creativity is dying because of the necessity for right and wrong answers. Students are afraid to raise their hand to offer their answer because they are scared of what others may say or think. I, personally, was always scared of getting called on because I wouldn’t have a correct answer and because it usually took me longer to figure out problems. Students should not be afraid to offer a wrong answer because it is the wrong answers that allow students to learn from their mistakes. Students are also scared to say that they don’t understand or that they need help. Students should not experience that type of tension from learning. The classroom should be filled with understanding and a commitment to learn together. In my classroom, I want students to be answer freely and confidently. Another reason why schools are hindering creativity is because of the importance of grades. I know students from high school who would rather memorize what they needed to know for the test instead of actually learning the material for the future. Although math typically requires a right answer, there are usually many different methods that can be used to derive the right answer. I want my students to learn all these types and not just memorize the easiest one.