CREATIVITY

"In the creative state a man is taken out of himself. He lets down as it were a bucket into his subconscious and  draws up something which is normally beyond his reach. He mixes this thing with his normal experiences and out of the mixture he makes a work of art."

                                                                                                                                             E.M. Forster

The term "CREATIVITY" is the ability to outstrip traditional ideas, rules, patterns and create new ideas, methods that are unique and novel. It has become apparent that the creativity comes from the right side of the human brain and this is the side that is not utilized optimally as opposed to the left side of the brain. In order to work to its full potential, each of these hemispheres must be capable of analyzing its own input first, only exchanging information with the other half, by means of the interface, when a considerable amount of processing has taken place.Because both hemispheres are capable of working independently, human beings are able to process two streams of information at once.The brain then compares and integrates the information to obtain a broader and more in-depth understanding of the concept under examination.

The importance of using both the sides of the brain is significantly important. A car needs fuel to run; likewise, for the subconscious aspect of the right brain to function, it needs the data, collated and processed by the left brain. Lack of data into the left-hand hemisphere could result in the creative side, or right hemisphere, ‘drying up’ and hence the creative talent in many people remains untapped throughout life. Until we try, most of us never know what we can actually achieve. The pressure of modern life has closed our pathway to creativity. 

We all have creativity - only that if we had tried, we would know whether we find it enjoyable or whether we have a talent or flair for it. Then, if these signs are positive, we must persevere. By cultivating new leisure activities and pursuing new pastimes, it is possible for each of us to explore the potential within us.

NO TO IIT???

IIT? No thank you, say some – The Hindu

This week was difficult for Bharath Kumar. He had to make a decision: mechanical engineering at IIT-Bombay or a four-year specialisation programme in physics at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.

“I was not confused. The problem was convincing my family and friends that I really wanted to pursue research,” said the student, who finally decided to go with IISc.

Bharath is not the only one who has rejected an IIT seat. R. Gowtham, also a high scorer, worked rigorously for four years to get into the IITs, but is now enthused about studying at the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI).

“The CMI test is even tougher than the IIT test because there are just 50 seats available,” he said.

On why he chose CMI over an IIT, he said, “I wanted a course that combined computing and mathematics. Once I realised my love for both subjects, I started focussing on getting into CMI as it offers such a course.”

Spending four years at an IIT is a dream for millions of aspiring engineers, and many of them spend more than three years preparing to crack the test that can get them there.

But after the test, some think it over and often choose another institute if it has a course they really want to pursue.

This year, over 310 students have rejected the prestigious IITs to get into other institutes. Over 76 candidates withdrew their admissions from IIT-Madras, which is the worst-hit among all the IITs. IIT-Delhi was second, having lost 63 students, while Kanpur had the least number of withdrawals at 16.

While most candidates who have rejected their seats had been selected for streams such as mining, metallurgy, and biotechnology, in some IITs, even core departments like civil and chemical engineering have had candidates withdrawing.

“The IITs offer a total of 9,885 seats. The National Institutes of Technology (NITs) offer 15,458 seats. A student who gets chemical engineering at IIT-M may get computer science or electrical engineering in one of the better NITs and so may opt for that,” said R. Raghavan, a former IIT professor.

He added that while a decade ago no one would even think about not accepting an IIT seat, withdrawals were now quite common.

“Also, everyone wants computer science, electronics and communication and electrical engineering, keeping placements and a corporate career in mind, which is not possible with the limited number of seats,” he added.

Another factor is the ‘old vs. new IITs’. Many students who get into the newer IITs – Indore, Mandi, Ropar, Jodhpur and others, chose NITs or reputed private engineering colleges in their State.

“Many of the new IITs function in ‘borrowed’ campuses and I am not sure how good they are. Also, placement reports show big companies still prefer to recruit from the old IITs,” said Ananya Baradwaj, who has taken up in civil engineering at NIT, Calicut.

ASPECTS OF INTELLIGENCE

Intelligence may be narrowly defined as the capacity to acquire knowledge and understanding which enables the individual to deal with real situations and profit intellectually from sensory experience. There are a number of different methods which measure intelligence, the most famous of which is the IQ, or intelligence quotient test. In the formation of such tests many psychologists treat intelligence as a general ability in a wide variety of aptitudes. It is now becoming increasingly recognised that there are many different types of intelligence and that a high measured IQ, although desirable, is not the only key to success in life. Other characteristics, such  As outstanding artistic, creative or practical prowess, especially if combined with personal characteristics such as ambition, good temperament and compassion, could result in an outstanding level of success despite a low measured IQ. It is because of this that in recent years CQ (creative quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient), have become regarded as equally important, or even more important than, IQ measurement. A good memory is yet another type of intelligence, and could result in high academic success despite a low measured IQ test score.

Successful intelligence involves thinking in three aspects : analytically, creatively and practically. The three aspects of successful intelligence are related. Analytical or componential thinking is required to solve problems and to judge the quality of ideas. Creative or experiential intelligence is required to formulate good problems and ideas in the first place. Practical or contextual intelligence is needed to use the ideas and their analysis in an effective way in one’s everyday life. Successful intelligence is most effective when it balances all the three aspects.It is more important to know when and how to use these effectively than just to possess them.

According to the theory of multiple intelligence, it identifies nine types of intelligence which can be summarized as

1. Naturalist Intelligence (“Nature Smart”)

2. Musical Intelligence (“Musical Smart”)

3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (Number/Reasoning Smart)

4. Interpersonal Intelligence (People Smart”)

5. Existential intelligence

6. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“Body Smart”)

7. Linguistic Intelligence (Word Smart)

8. Intra-personal Intelligence (Self Smart”)

9. Spatial Intelligence (“Picture Smart”)

It is completely wrong to write off or even put down someone who has scored badly in an IQ test which, after all, has only provided us with one type of information about that individual. All of us have the potential for achievement in some kind of intelligence and we also possess the potential for improvement in many other areas.

MAKE YOUR CHILD AN ACHIEVER IN LIFE

Have you ever wondered how to make a kid an achiever in life? When I say “achiever” it is not just a perfect ten in academics but in real life too. If your kid scores centum in all subjects, it doesn’t guarantee a bright future unless he quips himself with life-skills. Life-skills help promote mental well being and competence in young people as they face the realities of life.

Now, next question that immediately pops up is that, we were not taught such skills and still did we not survive? Some might even argue that kids might learn these lessons on their own. But if there is a possibility that we can prepare them before they go on their own, then why can’t we look this as an opportunity to shape a child into a strong, confident and smart adult.

What follows is a basic curriculum in life that a child should know before reaching adulthood. There will probably be other skills you can add to this list, but at least it’s a starting point.

Critical thinking: This is one of the most important skills not taught in school. If your kid is an unquestioning, naive student introduce him to the technique of asking questions. This increases not only logical reasoning but also intellectual criteria such as clarity, credibility, accuracy, depth and precision. Conversation is the best way to accomplish this skill.

Positive thinking: It is most important that we have a positive outlook on life. Many things may be messed up, but they can be changed for the better. If your child complaints, tell him to find solutions instead of complaints. Help him to believe in himself and encourage the attitude of positive thinking. 

Passion: One of the most important ways to make your child successful is to find what he is passionate about. May be your child is too young to decide on his passion but help them in identifying and pursuing it.

Motivation:  Motivate your kid in achieving small goals; help him in understanding the different strategies involved and give him a great feeling of achievement. 

Being Organized: Children should be taught to be organized. Give them to-do lists, set them routines and encourage them to keep things in their place. 

Personality development: Every person who develops his personality also becomes popular. Being independent, developing public speaking, participating in group discussions, being polite, getting along with his peers are some of the areas a child can be encouraged for personality development.

 Character building: Children do not learn values that make up strong character simply by telling them. They learn from parents and adults from everyday life. So we should set a good example to them through our behaviors and actions and coach them to be responsible and kind. 

Social service activities: Participating in NCC, NSS helps the child to develop a sense of social awareness. They also get to know about their community and develop leadership skills.

Thus the life skill activities help the child to explore alternatives, weigh pros and cons of an issue, have a rational thinking, communicate effectively and be self-confident. Help the child to have a “wholestic” development!

LINGUISTIC SKILLS AT AN EARLY AGE

According to neuroscience, kids exposed to foreign language at an early age have a superior language learning abilities. Babies start to learn a language even before they are able to speak. From early in life, your infant absorbs huge amounts of information that make him an expert in his native language. A child’s brain, which is rapidly growing and eager to absorb new things, can soak up a new language even without realizing it.

Exposing a child to a second language at an early stage helps them to innate new words and develop a natural pronunciation. Babies whose brains discriminate native sounds well at seven and a half months go on to learn language earlier than babies who show the less mature pattern of distinguishing all sounds equally well.

Children can learn more than one native language if they are exposed to both languages early enough, but their brains appear to represent the languages somewhat separately. Bilingual children reach language milestones at the same age and have the same risk of language impairment as monolingual children, though the details of their language development are somewhat different. So if your household is bilingual, this is not a disadvantage for the child’s language learning.

Children who hear more words while interacting with their parents in the first two years of life, learn language faster than children who learn few words. So talk to your baby and put up a good show of understanding of what he is saying. This helps the child’s language skill to develop more quickly.

Additionally, foreign language learning is much more a cognitive problem solving activity than a linguistic activity, overall. Studies have shown repeatedly that foreign language learning increases criticalthinkingskills, creativity, and flexibility of mind in young children. Students who are learning a foreign language out-score their non-foreign language learning peers in the verbal and, surprisingly to some, the math sections of standardized tests. This relationship between foreign language study and increased mathematical skill development, particularly in the area of problem solving, points once again to the fact that second language learning is more of a cognitive activity.

Children gain a great sense of accomplishment from learning to say something in a foreign language – it’s like learning to crack a code! Language learning also provides frequent opportunities to perform before an audience. This nurtures pupils’ self-esteem and self confidence and develops strong interpersonal skills.

Therefore, it is absurd to wait until secondary school to begin studying a foreign language. Take advantage of the child’s language skills and train them up at an early age for best results. When it comes to language, there is no substitute for an early start. Complex skills require deep foundations!