Share Paper: Creative Teachers: Fueled by Interdisciplinary and Avocational Pursuits

1. Rohit Mehta, Michigan State University, United States
2. Danah Henriksen, Michigan State University, United States
3. Punya Mishra, Michigan State University, United States

Abstract: We teach who we are (Henriksen, 2011; Root-Bernstein & Root-Bernstein, 1999). Based on this concept, we designed a three-part assignment series called ‘Creative ‘I’: Developing and Bringing it Together’ for our course on Creativity in Teaching and Learning. This assignment series afforded a space for our students to explore their definition of creativity, their trans-disciplinary avocations, and the effect of spatial influence on their own creative process. We evaluated their work and reflections for these assignments and found interdisciplinary connections to personal life and avocations that shaped their construct of creativity and impacted their teaching.