Creating a “Space” for Class Discussion about Collaborative Creativity: the Point of View of Teachers

How can teachers develop a discussion with their class about what has been created beforehand so that the pupils can learn how to compose music? In this study, we are interested in identifying certain actions of teachers for developing a reflective discussion with the whole class on a creative activity carried out by their pupils. First, we observed video recordings of four teachers with pupils ages 11 to 13 during two classes. Secondly, we conducted interviews with each teacher on selected excerpts that included interaction between teacher and pupils. Our analyses show that teachers find it difficult to teach the skills at the right time. To encourage pupil reflection, the teachers declared that they found it difficult to allow the pupils to discuss about their collaborative creativity amongst themselves, to let them speak freely and to intervene without obstructing reflection. To do so, it was necessary to give them certain tools, such as formulating open questions or facilitating the pupils' discussion by using certain conjunctions or repeating certain words or the ends of the pupils' sentences. This study helps us to improve the way that teachers can support collaborative and reflective creativity at school.

, 2012