A recent research study suggests that training young students in inventive literary methods can enhance their problem-solving capabilities and fortify their resilience. The inclusion of such techniques within arts education could potentially augment their aptitude for tackling real-world dilemmas.
The research found that the implemented program aided children in dealing with various challenges.
Training students at the elementary level to employ creative approaches has been shown to bolster their capacity to handle real-life challenges, according to new scientific findings.
In this preliminary study, scholars instructed students in grades three, four, and five to apply literary strategies like shifting perspectives, engaging in counterfactual (“what-if”) reasoning, and causal (“why”) analysis to enhance their creative problem-solving skills.
Angus Fletcher, the primary author of the study and a professor of English at The Ohio State University as well as a participant in the university’s Project Narrative, stated that these techniques empowered children to devise innovative, pragmatic solutions to problems.
Fletcher emphasized the growing concern over the resilience of American youth, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many seem to struggle both academically and personally. “Training in creative strategies offers children alternative paths when facing obstacles,” he said.
The research has been recently published in the Journal of Creativity.
Table of Contents
A Validated Technique
Fletcher noted that the curriculum applied in this study closely resembled one previously deployed successfully within the U.S. Army, an achievement that led to his receipt of the Public Service Commendation Medal, the fourth-highest civilian honor granted by the Army.
Two separate research trials were conducted with students participating in a summer camp in a suburb of Columbus. In the first study, 32 students were divided into two sets: a control group and a creative group. The control group was advised to identify a unique quality they possessed, described as their “special power” for problem-solving. On the other hand, students in the creative group practiced perspective-shifting by envisioning a friend with unique capabilities who could assist them in overcoming challenges.
Fletcher explained that encouraging individuals to alter their viewpoint and consider advice from a friend often resulted in more innovative and effective problem-solving outcomes.
The study confirmed this notion. When confronted with both age-typical and personal challenges, those trained in perspective-shifting exhibited substantially better problem-solving abilities and greater creativity in their solutions, as rated by trained educators.
Demonstrable Results
The outcomes indicated that creative training significantly improved children’s self-efficacy—the belief that they wield some control over their own lives. While almost all students trained in perspective-shifting could address both types of problems, only a small fraction of those in the control group could do the same.
Longitudinal Analysis
An additional longitudinal study with 28 students aimed to evaluate the impact of a five-day, 10-hour curriculum focusing on narrative creativity techniques like causal reasoning. This training encouraged children to reevaluate their goals when facing an unsolvable issue, fostering alternative avenues to achieve desired outcomes.
The children were not only able to devise a secondary plan when told their initial solution wouldn’t work, but this subsequent solution also scored higher both in terms of creativity and practical applicability.
Fletcher concluded that the study offers a positive message, stating that various strategies are available to aid children in confronting their challenges. In summary, narrative creativity training can equip youngsters with the tools to tackle real-world issues that lack straightforward solutions.
Implications for Broader Educational Strategies
The capacity to think creatively can also be cultivated through other artistic disciplines, such as literature and theater. Fletcher advocates for an education system that goes beyond traditional analyses of artworks, encouraging students to engage in imaginative thinking by placing themselves in different roles and considering various viewpoints.
The study, entitled “Narrative Creativity Training: A New Method for Increasing Resilience in Elementary Students,” was authored by Angus Fletcher, Patricia Enciso—a professor specializing in literature for children and young adults at the College of Education and Human Ecology—and Mike Benveniste, also a part of Project Narrative at The Ohio State University.
Reference: Journal of Creativity, DOI: 10.1016/j.yjoc.2023.100061
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Elementary students’ resilience
What is the main finding of the study led by Angus Fletcher at The Ohio State University?
The main finding is that teaching elementary students creative literary techniques can significantly improve their problem-solving abilities and resilience. The study suggests that incorporating these methods into arts education could yield practical benefits for tackling real-world challenges.
Who were the participants in the study?
The participants were elementary school students in grades three, four, and five. They were part of two separate studies involving students attending a summer camp in a suburb of Columbus.
What literary techniques were taught to the students?
The students were trained in several literary techniques, including perspective-shifting, counterfactual (“what-if”) reasoning, and causal (“why”) analysis. These methods aimed to enhance the students’ creative problem-solving skills.
How did the study measure the effectiveness of these literary techniques?
The study utilized trained teachers to rate the creativity of the children’s problem-solving solutions. Additionally, a longitudinal study was conducted to test the effects of a more extended curriculum on creativity, self-efficacy, and resilience.
What were the notable results of the study?
The study found that nearly all students trained in perspective-shifting could address both age-typical and personal problems. These trained students also scored higher in creativity and practical applicability compared to those who were not trained.
What implications does this study have for broader educational strategies?
The study suggests that creative thinking skills, taught through arts and literary techniques, could be a valuable addition to the traditional education system. These skills have the potential to enhance children’s capabilities to face real-world problems effectively.
Was the program similar to any other initiatives?
Yes, Angus Fletcher noted that the curriculum used in the study closely resembled one that had been previously deployed successfully within the U.S. Army. This similar program had earned him a Public Service Commendation Medal.
What is the significance of this research in the context of societal challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?
The research is especially relevant given growing concerns about the resilience of American children in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study offers methods that can help children come up with alternative plans when facing obstacles, thereby improving their resilience.
Where was the study published?
The study was published in the Journal of Creativity and is entitled “Narrative Creativity Training: A New Method for Increasing Resilience in Elementary Students.”
Are there any plans for future research?
The text does not specify plans for future research, but the findings suggest that further exploration into how creative literary techniques can be incorporated into mainstream education could be valuable.
More about Elementary students’ resilience
- Journal of Creativity: Original Study
- The Ohio State University: Angus Fletcher Profile
- Project Narrative at Ohio State University
- Public Service Commendation Medal: Information
- Resilience in Children: A Brief Overview
5 comments
Sounds great but what’s the catch? Implementing this in schools could cost a lot. And hey, how about kids who dont like arts and literary stuff?
Seriously, why aren’t we funding this already? Kids need to learn more than just Math and Science. They need to tackle life too. Kudos to Angus Fletcher and his team!
This is fantastic news. As a parent, I always want the best for my kids. If schools pick up on this, imagine how better equipped our children would be for real-life challenges.
This really makes you think. the pandemic has been tough on kids, and if something like creative writing can help them cope, then I’m all for it.
Wow, this is really eye-opening! I never thought that something like creative writing could actually boost kids problem solving skills. this could be a game changer in education.