Engineering creativity: Exploring disciplinary difference as the basis for new pedagogical ideas

Christopher Wilson, Michael Brown, Peter Lennox

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

This chapter explores the distinctive and often contrasting educational approaches associated with engineering and musical disciplines. Both inherently
'practical' subjects with a rich body of underlying 'technical' knowledge and
rich historical heritage, convention nevertheless determines often highly contrasting educational approaches to their study and fundamentally different
conceptions of subject identity. Acknowledging a shared focus on the value
of creativity, this chapter interrogates the notional differences in pedagogy
between the two disciplines—their subject traditions—and considers the extent
to which particular experiences of subject consequently inform future
behavioural attitudes and the realization of creative potential. Exploring how
music and engineering reflect very different schemas, the chapter considers
how cross-fertilization between subjects might frame different conceptions of
creativity and inform alternative educational strategies. Noting, for example,
the concept of 'proactive interference' and the potential for cognitive inflexibility
through mastery and expertise, the chapter explores how a more musical
approach to the study of engineering could inform the more effective development of creative engineers.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCreativity and Innovation in STEM Education
EditorsFredricka Reisman
Chapter3
Pages58-90
Number of pages32
VolumeVII
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2018
EventInternational Conference on Knowledge, Innovation and Enterprise (KIE 2018) - Prague, Czech Republic
Duration: 18 Jul 201820 Jul 2018

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Knowledge, Innovation and Enterprise (KIE 2018)
Country/TerritoryCzech Republic
CityPrague
Period18/07/1820/07/18

Bibliographical note

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Keywords

  • Creativity
  • STEM
  • pedagogy
  • Innovation

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