All I really need to know (about creative thinking) I learned (by studying how children learn) in Kindergarten

Citation: Mitchel Resnick (2007) All I really need to know (about creative thinking) I learned (by studying how children learn) in Kindergarten.
Internet Archive Scholar (search for fulltext): All I really need to know (about creative thinking) I learned (by studying how children learn) in Kindergarten
Download: http://web.media.mit.edu/~mres/papers/CC2007-handout.pdf
Tagged: kindergarten (RSS), learning (RSS), creativity (RSS)

Summary

The author advocates the application of the kindergarten-style of learning to all age groups as it relevant in this century. The kindergarten method is defined as a spiraling process of 'imagine', 'create', 'play', 'share', 'reflect' and 'imagine'. The role of properly designed and supported digital technologies to support different age groups to play, experiment and test ideas is emphasized along with the guiding principle of “many paths, many styles”. Creation is at the core of creative thinking and constructionist approach. Play and learn needs to be integrated into any new technology that is built for kids. While there is an emphasis on team work and collaboration the culture of sharing digital produce is very limited. The ability to reflect upon one's creations is also important.

Theoretical and Practical Relevance

The kindergarten method allows for creative thinking through an iterative process and provides learners of all ages opportunities to become active producers or designers rather than passive consumers. Example tools are Scratch from MIT, Logo, StarLogo etc