Don’t get me wrong, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) is great. Being an engineer, I understand these subjects very well. But, it’s missing the critical piece that makes true innovation happen, CREATIVITY. Enter ARTS, yep the ‘A’ in STEAM. Why arts? Well, the arts teach you the one thing schools, nor STEM subjects do, creativity.
Take drama, for example, we rehearse so when we go on stage we can perform our role. But, what IS rehearsal? It’s time to practice creativity. A time to say a line many different ways, to see which gets the laugh. A time to TRULY try so many things without the fear of failure. Because in drama, it’s not failing, it’s just trying a new way. Only when we fail, do we learn, and that learning is the fundamental backbone to creativity. Learning to fail, is a skill most people don’t have, as well as the perspective we should take when failing.
Edison once said, “I have not failed, I have found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” A positive mindset goes a long way.
Arts, whether drama or dance or music or any other form, allow the brain to work on creativity, as well as balancing the left-right side of the brain for a more balanced overall person and thought-process.
So, bring arts into your STEM program and let’s get this generation coming up with more creative solutions for our world. Remember, NOBODY ever made a real difference in the world just doing the same ol’ thing. New ideas and solutions only come from those who are willing to try something new, take a risk, and be creative.
To learn more about ways to integrate arts into education, check out these great articles.
