Volume 7, Issue No. 2 (Serial No. 14) Cultivating Creativity Among Young People

David W. CHAN
Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

[Abstract] A general overview of approaches to the study of creativity, including the mystical, pragmatic, psychometric, cognitive, and social-personality approaches is first introduced with a focus on recent developments among confluence approaches. The development in efforts to enhance creativity is then considered. This is done with the suggestion of promising alternatives to teach creativity creatively based on notions from psychology and other academic disciplines. Finally, creativity and its enhancement for children and youth in Hong Kong are discussed in light of the systems theory of individual, domain, and field in the school settings.

HUI Desmond
Director, Centre for Cultural Policy Research, The University of Hong Kong
AU-YEUNG Shing
Researcher, Centre for Cultural Policy Research, The University of Hong Kong

[Abstract] “Creative Industries” as a subject of discussion has been increasingly popular in Hong Kong in recent years. This paper aims at clarifying what is actually meant by “creative industries” by introducing two key concepts used in relevant analyses, namely the “Creative Industries Production System” and “Creative Industries as Clusters”. At the same time, this paper provides a snapshot of current Hong Kong Creative Industries by quoting findings from the Baseline Study on Hong Kong’s Creative Industries published by our research centre. In our study, challenges facing Hong Kong’s Creative Industries are grouped into five areas including “Cross-Sector Common Issues”, “Intellectual Property”, “Clustering and Urban Strategies” and “Education, Training and Research”. This paper focuses its discussion on “Education and Training” and “Clustering” and suggests “Clustering” and “Pearl River Delta” as future directions for policy research.

Gino YU
Multimedia Innovation Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Roy HORAN
Multimedia Innovation Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Michael MAMAS
School of Enlightened Healing (North Carolina, USA)
Barbara WEISSHAAR
School of Enlightened Healing (North Carolina, USA)

[Abstract] This paper presents a process for recovering natural creativity based upon allocating time to balanced living, meditation, self-exploration, and the use of creativity exercises. Creative potential is lost as we construct our unique interpretation of reality through the process of conditioning. Distorted, negative conditioning early in life can have a dramatic impact upon our creative abilities later on. A case is made that historically prevalent behaviorist based teaching methodologies are out-dated in today’s information age and can inhibit creative development. Interactive multimedia technology provides an accessible platform for the development of individualized, student centered teaching that not only disseminates knowledge but preserves students’ natural creativity. The accessible nature of the platform makes rapid global impact possible.

YU Shu Tak
Chairman, Arts Education Group, Hong Kong Arts Development Council

[Abstract] The successful restructuring of Hong Kong’s economy does not merely rely on the traditional Chinese virtues of diligence and thrifty habits, it also needs to nurture a proactive society that treasures creativity and sustainable development. A school education emphasizing academic ability alone can no longer keep up with the ever-rising needs for social development. Conversely, school education emphasizing multiple-intelligences is to be acclaimed in the new millennium. This article makes reference to the latest research studies and ideas both on the Rise of the Creative Class in the U.S. and the development of a creative community for the future society to explore the possible development of a creative local community. The efficacy of Arts education on nurturing creativity, imagination and multiple intelligences is very apparent. Thus, it is of paramount importance to promote Arts education and a macro-perspective youth policy in order to construct a creative city which is also conducive to the transformation of the Hong Kong economy towards a creative economy, as well as a quality and cultural-rich community.

MOK Hon Fai James
Supervisor (Research and Leadership), The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
Eva TSEUNG
Secretary General, The Dragon Foundation
SETO Ming Wai Jenny
Youth Work Officer, Leadership 21, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

[Abstract] The Odyssey of the Mind Programme (OMP), created by Dr. Samuel Micklus in the United States, was introduced to Hong Kong in 1996 by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. The local championship teams representing Hong Kong have shown a marked improvement over the past few years in the World Finals held in the United States. As a pioneer in creativity education for young people, OMP aims at developing divergent thinking, the integration of skills and knowledge of science, the humanities and the arts through teamwork. Hoping to nurture creativity among young people and to improve our general competitiveness, Hong Kong has put much effort into the promotion of creativity education in recent years, a goal also shared by OMP.

Jacqueline CHENG
Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Education City

[Abstract] To embrace the knowledge-based era, the new generation needs to be empowered with the capability of creatively using information. E-learning, a befitting education tool for the times, is an important mode of cultivating creativity among students. Promoting e-learning as a new means of learning, this article illustrates a pragmatic strategy based on the essential elements of creativity. Finally, the case of Hong Kong Education City is discussed as one way of exploring ways towards effective implementation.

SO Chi Ki Thomas
Executive Director, Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association

[Abstract] In order to cultivate students’ creativity, apart from introducing creative elements in the classroom and promoting innovative teaching methods, the idea of encouraging students to participate actively in extra-curricula science and creativity activities is also very important. Not only are schools that develop such activities able to develop their students’ creative thinking and personalities, they can also help to develop their students’ interest in science, which in turn can boost their abilities in innovative thoughts and ideas. This article will discuss the objectives, characteristics, methods, contents and results of science and creativity activities; in addition it will suggest effective ways and strategies to promote such activities in schools.

Anna KWAN
Senior Education Development Officer, Education Development Office, City University of Hong Kong

[Abstract] This paper explores the nature of problem-based learning (PBL) and creativity. It suggests that PBL is an ideal environment in which to promote learners’ creativity. Instead of solely focusing on developing learners’ creativity thinking strategies in the “early cycle” activities, such as the generation of new ideas, it is important to provide them with a process-rich and self-directed learning environment to engage them in deep learning, leading to the building of a solid knowledge and skills foundation as well as the disposition of a creative person, thus empowering learners in both “early cycle” activities as well as “late cycle” activities which would include the implementation of their new ideas.

FAN Wing Yee
Chinese Teacher, Christian Alliance SW Chan Memorial College

[Abstract] Raising interest and creativity in Chinese writing has long been a major concern among educationalists. By looking at some learning motivation theories and also examining the “Ten-Minute Writing Scheme” which has been implemented in our school over the last few years, this paper attempts to arouse the concern of teachers on ways of motivating and enhancing students’ interest and creativity in writing.

CHEN Wei Xin
Association for Shanghai Odyssey of the Mind Programme
WANG Xiu E
Shanghai Educational Press Group

[Abstract] This article traces three developmental stages of research in and practice of creativity education for adolescents in Mainland China. It focuses on the content and the form of the implementation of creativity education. It also suggests advancing innovation and reform in the education system in order to foster creativity education.

Lung-An CHEN
Professor, Institute of Enterprise Innovation and Development, Shih Chien University
Chair, Chinese Creativity Association

[Abstract] Early creativity education in Taiwan rested on gifted education for the talented minority. Since then, Taipei has made efforts to advocate and promote creativity education for all. The Ministry of Education has revealed its planned policy and proclaimed vision in the White Paper on Creative Education. The recent implementation of the Advance Phase Action Plan of this White Paper has made creativity a significant educational issue thus generating extensive discussion on and promotion of creativity education. This article reviews past and present creativity education in Taiwan and discusses the problems and breakthroughs encountered in promoting creativity education.

Ai-Girl TAN
Kam-Wah Lucille LEE
Ngoh-Khang GOH
Lian-Sai CHIA
Associate Professors, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University

[Abstract] This paper presents an overview of Singapore’s creativity education and creativity in science education. First, the development of Singapore’s education from the sixties to the present is discussed from the perspective of Singapore’s educational paradigms: survival-driven, efficiency-driven, and ability-driven. Then, an overview is presented of the development of Singapore’s science education in relation to the three educational paradigms. Finally, the authors present their reflections on creativity in science education in Singapore. They acknowledge that structural innovations have been introduced into education in Singapore during the past few decades. In conclusion they suggest that continued debate on the different paradigms discussed should be encouraged. This should be aimed at the creation of space where individualized cognition and constructive creativity may take place.

CHOI Chi U
Principal, Estrela Do Mar

[Abstract] Apart from being knowledge-based economy, the 21st century is also the time for small and medium enterprises. However, talents still have to be taught in schools. In order to face new challenges, business-runners of small and medium enterprises should have intelligence as well as moral conduct. Intelligence includes, creativity, the ability of problem solving, supervision and financial management, while moral conduct includes, sincerity, healthy interpersonal communicative skills, bravery and willpower of problem solving. Schools have to develop students’ talents, which are required by society through different kinds of curricula. Until now, creative thinking was simply defined as the methods and skills of problem solving, often referring to scientific and technical levels. However, when we talk about moral and ethics education, or topics concerning the development of students’ personality, the teaching of creative thinking seems to be totally irrelevant. This paper is to investigate the difficulties and the ways out of the creative thinking teaching and curriculum development in Macau by discussing the teaching of moral and ethics education.

Davis Wai-lun CHAN
Panel Chairperson, Visual Arts Department, Elegantia College (Sponsored by Education Convergence)
Project Leader, “Invention and Living” Creativity Education Development Project

[Abstract] Creativity has become a hot topic recently. Similarly, cultivating and exploring training students’ creativity has become an important part of the Education Reform in Hong Kong. With the support of the “District Teacher Network Scheme” of the Education and Manpower Bureau, the Art Teachers’ Links promotes a project called “Invention & Living”, which is a Creativity Art Education Development Project. The project has developed a system of creativity education activities on the topic of invention. The major points of the activities are training students’ creative humanity including, creative vision and reference, creative insight and creative realization. The Activities also encourage students to look at their daily lives in detail and to develop their creation and creativity from living.

Tiger C. F. CHAN
Researcher, Breakthrough

[Abstract] Recent series of researches show that the youth in Hong Kong have a high tendency towards net addiction with the latest rate standing at 15%. Multiple regression analysis result shows that the youth behavior of net addiction is defined by their online gaming. Referring to the Young’s Net Addiction categorization, Hong Kong youngsters now suffer from online game addiction. As we consider the recent development of online gaming market in Hong Kong, in terms of Grohol’s Model of Pathological Internet Use, we believe the prompt phenomenon is just explained as the first stage of enchantment of new online activities. The issue of net addiction in Hong Kong needs more research and verification in the future.

Christopher H. K. CHENG
Lecturer, Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong
Associate Director, Youth Studies Net, City University of Hong Kong
T. Wing LO
Associate Professor, Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong
Secretary, Youth Studies Net, City University of Hong Kong
Dennis S. W. WONG
Associate Professor, Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong
Director, Youth Studies Net, City University of Hong Kong

[Abstract] The present study aims at investigating the psychological correlates of deviant behaviour of the general adolescence population in Hong Kong. Through a self-report we obtained the prevalence of daily behaviours of the young people, and successfully factor-analysed their behaviours into a number of factors, in which a range of negative behaviours such as drinking alcohol, smoking, verbally attacking teachers, taking drugs, verbally attacking parents, physical destruction and bullying. Correlational analyses were then conducted on deviant behaviour and four psychological variables, namely, self-esteem, self-efficacy, rebelliousness, and susceptibility to negative influences of peers. It was found that an individual’s deviant behaviour on a whole significantly and positively correlated with rebelliousness and susceptibility to peer influence. However, the relationships between deviant behaviour and the self-concepts of self-esteem and self-efficacy, were more complicated and did not necessarily follow in a linear fashion as indicated by the ANOVA polynomial tests. The findings were discussed with reference to Kaplan’s self-enhancement and self-derogation model.

Raymond Wai-man CHAN
Instructor, Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong
Dennis Sing-wing WONG
Associate Professor, Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong

[Abstract] Some people utilize most of their energy to pursue happiness, but in vain; while some others get it easily without doing anything special. What makes people happy? This is a question that many people would like to know the answer to. In the past, many researchers have tried very hard to investigate the relationship between happiness and personality, aspiration, or even national income. It is found that extraversion, intrinsic motivation, and national wealth, to certain extents, are positively correlated with happiness. Hong Kong is a cross cultural region nourished with both Western and Eastern cultures. What are the factors of making the youth in Hong Kong happy? In this study, the focus group is employed by methods of data collection, interviewing subjects ranging from senior primary students to working youths. The results review that interpersonal relationship and sense of autonomy are major influential factors to happiness experience.