has fully answered the questions asked. If the questions are not fully explored, the paper will be returned until they
are. The students have responded favorably because they only see comments when a paper is returned, with no
grade. They hear the comments more openly when not reacting to a poor grade. In fact, they’ve shown gratitude for
receiving another chance to flesh out their ideas. I’m delighted to see the look of joy on a student’s face who turns
in an Acceptable paper on the first try.
“To stimulate creativity, one must develop the childlike inclination for play and
the childlike desire for recognition.”
- Albert Einstein
Recognition of work well done is a universal need. It’s important for a student to sense that her effort is valued.
Students have also said that this method gives them incentive to address questions more thoroughly. Having to rewrite something could be interpreted as punitive, but since no grade is involved, the message is really, “keep
playing,” or, “have you though about this?”
In my educational utopia there would be no grades and a whole lot of learning. But because I must work within a
system of the institutions, I’ve had to wrestle with the somewhat contradictory requirements of igniting creativity
and producing a measurement of students’ work. I seek ways for students to experience joy, trust, and passion for
their subject and work. Keeping creativity at the forefront of any learning environment requires a willingness to
embrace some chaos, take some chances, and trust in human nature.
In closing I’d like to offer you a small token. Please look around and find one small object in the room. With
whatever you choose, create a symbol that speaks to creativity. Notice the feeling you have as you make this for
yourself. May your symbol be a gentle reminder of the importance of your own imagination, and of keeping
creativity at the forefront for your students and for yourself.
** Originally presented at the 2013 NDEO Conference in Miami, Florida.
Anne Harris Wilcox is a full-time Senior Lecturer at the University of Rochester where she teaches
and choreographs for the Program of Dance and Movement. She holds an MFA from SUNY
Brockport and a BA from Connecticut College, and is a NYS certified K-12 teacher of dance.
She is the Artistic Director of Present Tense Dance, which she formed in 1991. Her work has
recently appeared in Rochester Fringe Festivals, Rochester Shakespeare in the Park
( Romeo and Juliet), 2016 Dances at MUCCC series, Geva Next Stage, and with Drumcliffe
Irish Arts. She is a former President of New York State Dance Education Association and
currently serves as the State Affiliate Director for the National Dance Education
Organization. In 2013 she created Active Learning Games, LLC, a company dedicated to
creating kinesthetic educational activities for grades K-12 and university curriculum. Anne is
happiest when collaborating with other creative artists and educators.
STEAMed Magazine
47
October 2016 Edition