Search

Described is a K-12 integrative arts program of the Schmerenbeck Educational Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, designed to help gifted and talented children develop an understanding of the nature of creative thinking as expressed through different art forms. The report discusses how the program defines talent; how gifted students are identified for program participation; the role that creative thinking plays in child development; the integrative model of education used; educational strategies used to develop creative thinking from the four perspectives of perception, affect, cognition, and behavior; course content; and program evaluation. The program offers skill based courses in visual perception, exploration of sound and movement, communication, and learning and thinking skills. Also offered are a series of optional workshops in different art disciplines, including drama, dance, music, and film. In some experimental sessions professional artists and teachers worked with the students. Concepts and ideas initiated by students are explored through sensory stimulation, creative problem solving, and reflection. Both teachers and students rated the program very highly. (RM)

A creative arts program for talented students in Johannesburg (South Africa) is intended to foster perceptual-, aesthetic-, cultural-, social-, and self-awareness, understanding of the arts, as well as an emphasis on expanding creative potential focuses on the processes of sensory, intellectual creative, and aesthetic development. A four-phase system of identification is based on a multifaceted and expanded definition of giftedness. In designing the program, developers examined models of creativity, characteristics of the creative personality, criteria for determining creative thinking ability, and specific teaching models. Among desirable teacher characteristics are a willingness to risk, acceptance of the uniqueness of others, and the ability to be structured in a flexible way in response to the students' experience and motivation. Procedures for screening and placement, selection criteria, the curriculum outline, and evaluation procedures are described. Program options include core courses (e.g., Creative Thinking, Effective Thinking, Body Language, Study Skills), workshops in language, visual, performing, and cultural arts, and integrated arts/creativity workshops at primary and secondary levels. (JW)