Cultivating creativity in a high-performing education system: The example of Singapore

Abstract

Focusing on the cultivation of twenty-first century competencies in a high-performing education system, this article examines the teaching and learning of creativity in Singapore. It is argued that “everyday creativity” and creativity as innovation are privileged by educators in Singapore. Creativity is promoted through a harmonized approach that is manifested in two main ways. First, novelty and usefulness are integrated with the help of design thinking for the sake of social good. Secondly, the advancement of creativity co-exists with and supports the high-stakes examination system by infusing creative thinking into the teaching of school subjects. The example of Singapore adds to the existing research by demonstrating a cultural approach to the teaching and learning of creativity as well as the potential of design thinking to developing creative thinking in students.