The role of modelling during instruction in collaborative creativity

Abstract

This research examines how modelling, a common instructional technique where a teacher or expert demonstrates a task or skill, impacts students' creative expression in artistic disciplines like music, dance, and visual arts. The study specifically focuses on elementary students engaged in creative collaboration activities, generating movements to music and altering lyrics to a folk song. Through audio and video recordings of student activity, the study observed how students interacted with both the teacher's and their peers' modelled examples. The findings indicate that students often imitated the teacher's examples and adhere closely to the model, creating some confusion for students during idea generation and the rejection of certain ideas.

Findings show that in lessons where creative activities are designed to elicit a variety of ideas and make connections, how students interpret modelling can be complex. This highlights the need for clear communication about the intended use of modelling. Despite the small sample size, the study provides initial insights into the challenges and complexities of using modelling in creative educational tasks, emphasising the balance between imitation and creativity.