The Power of Creativity in Education:
Early Insights from a Study in Gilgit, Pakistan

In Gilgit, Pakistan, a group of educators recently participated in an inspiring study led by Tanya Knudsen, a Wings of Change instructor and PhD candidate in Creative Leadership. The study sought to explore the intersection of creativity, problem-solving, and leadership in education, aiming to answer how creativity can more deliberately align with learning content and positively affect leadership in the classroom.

The study’s findings underscore a powerful and often overlooked truth: the key to fostering engaged and confident learners is to cultivate a learning environment that nurtures creativity in the form of problem-solving through intrinsic motivation. What follows is an exploration of the study’s early insights and what they mean for educators and students alike.

Vision for Education:
Whole-Child Learning for the 21st Century

One of the central themes emerging from the study is the shared vision among the participating educators: a learning environment that nurtures the “whole child,” integrating creativity with the development of critical 21st-century skills. The teachers in Gilgit emphasized the importance of creating an environment where students not only gain knowledge but also develop confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. This, they believe, is vital for students to become responsible learners and future leaders.

As Tanya Knudsen points out, “What teachers teach is as important as how they teach.” The approach is not just about transferring knowledge but also about shaping the minds and  attitudes of learners with capacity—especially when it comes to how they engage with the world and approach challenges.

The Role of Creativity in Motivation and Learning

At the heart of this study is the recognition that creativity is a powerful tool for becoming. Early findings suggest that both teachers and students thrive in an environment where creative expression is encouraged. The teachers, for instance, were asked to participate in a drawing exercise, both as a group and later with their students. Initially, there was some confusion, especially when venturing into new methods of learning. But soon, the excitement was palpable as both teachers and students became deeply engaged. Something transformational happened. 

Intrinsic Motivation: When students and educators are motivated—whether by personal interests, curiosity, or a passion for problem-solving—the learning process becomes effortless and enjoyable. It’s an inherent part of human nature to seek out what excites us, and creativity, as a learning tool, taps directly into this drive.

The act of drawing for the purpose of exploration—for visualizing a challenge and conceptualizing a solution, as initial exercises in the study—was a particularly powerful revelation. Students, who typically enjoy drawing as a form of self-expression, were able to apply this love of visual creativity to academic content. In doing so, they became more connected to the material and more invested in their learning.

Extrinsic Motivation and the Challenges of Traditional Education Systems

While intrinsic motivation plays a crucial role, the study also uncovered a tension between internal enthusiasm for learning and the constraints imposed by external structures. Traditional education systems, with their emphasis on rote memorization and preparing for standardized tests, often fail to recognize the value of creative thinking and problem-solving processes.

This mismatch can lead to a disconnect between students and the material they are supposed to learn. Educators who participated in the study spoke candidly about the challenges of classroom management, discipline, and student disengagement. Many acknowledge that the traditional emphasis on "the right answer" often stifles curiosity and creativity, making learning feel like a mechanical process rather than an exciting journey of discovery.

The Need for Creativity in 21st Century Education

When asked about their understanding of 21st-century education, the educators in Gilgit highlighted the importance of technology and access to IT equipment. However, many were surprised to learn that creativity—often relegated to a separate subject area—should be woven into the very fabric of learning in the 21st century. The ability to think creatively, to approach problems from multiple angles, and to experiment with new solutions are no longer “nice-to-have” skills—they are essential for preparing students to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Deliberate Creativity: The study's early findings reveal that educators are eager to explore how the creative process can be intentionally integrated into their teaching practices. The range of creative problem-solving activities, from clarifying the challenge, transforming ideas into solutions and implementing actionable plans showed how the creative process can serve as a bridge between traditional content and the dynamic, innovative thinking skills students will need in the future.

The educators in the study overwhelmingly agreed that the creative process not only makes learning more engaging but also aligns with the broader goals of 21st-century education: to develop future problem solvers. By encouraging students to think creatively and solve problems in innovative ways, teachers can foster an environment where learning is not just about memorizing facts but about developing the skills necessary to navigate complexity.

Creativity’s Impact on Leadership and Teacher Confidence

Another interesting outcome of the study was the effect that creativity had on the educators themselves. As they learned and implemented Creative Problem Solving (CPS) methods, the teachers felt more confident and empowered in their roles as leaders. They realized that fostering a learning environment where students are encouraged to explore, create, and solve problems builds trust and inspires collaboration among both teachers and students.

By engaging with the creative process, educators not only become better leaders in their classrooms but also role models for how to approach challenges and uncertainties. This confidence is particularly important in the context of leadership, as teachers are tasked with guiding the next generation of leaders. By embodying creativity and problem-solving, they set an example for their students on how to engage with the world in an innovative, thoughtful way.

Next Steps: Bringing the Vision to Life

The final stage of the study involved the educators working through the Creative Problem Solving process to develop actionable plans for integrating creativity into their teaching. These plans are still being refined, but the shared vision for a more engaging, student-centered, and creative learning environment is clear.

The full report on the study will be available later this year, offering deeper insights into how educators can more effectively harness creativity in the classroom and how it can contribute to both student learning and teacher leadership.

Conclusion

The early insights from this study underscore the decades of research on creativity.  The value of creativity in education is undeniable. By fostering a learning environment that emphasizes creative problem-solving, intrinsic motivation, and leadership, educators can inspire the next generation to become not just knowledgeable, but confident, responsible, and innovative learners.

As we move further into the 21st century, it is clear that creativity must be more than just an afterthought in education—it must be at the core of how we teach and learn. This study is a reminder that education, when rooted in creativity, becomes a transformative force—not only for students but for educators as well.

About Tanya Knudsen
Tanya Knudsen is an innovation readiness facilitator specializing in Creative Problem Solving and FourSightⓇ, an assessment tool for cognitive diversity. Tanya is also the head teacher for the online e-cademy English language program at Wings of Change.