Unlocking the Future: Why Innovation and Creative Thinking Should Be Taught in High Schools

Kayan, my son, just started his first year of high school at a wonderful and innovative school called Pinewood. We are already thinking about what he wants out of high school, including where he might go to college and what he wants for his future. He often talks about being an inventor and a designer of sorts by solving complex problems through technological advancements (many times for him that is through gaming and apps). It got me thinking. Are all High School students being trained to think critically and creatively? Do they understand how to innovate and problem solve?  In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and ever-evolving industries, the role of high school education needs to shift. Beyond traditional subjects, there's a growing recognition that nurturing innovation and fostering creative thinking should be integral components of high school curricula. As I think of Kayan’s future and my time spent fostering innovation in corporate America, here are the top five reasons why innovation and creative thinking deserve a prominent place in the high school classroom.

1. Preparing for a Complex World

Today's students are facing a future marked by complexity, ambiguity, and rapid change –whether that’s because of AI or climate change, a lot is coming at them . By instilling innovation and creative thinking from a young age, high schools can empower students to adapt and thrive in this dynamic landscape and changing planet. Encouraging them to question, experiment, and problem-solve will equip them with invaluable skills for life and possibly resolve issues older generations have either ignored or couldn’t solve.

2. Fostering Critical Problem-Solving

Innovation and creative thinking go hand-in-hand with critical problem-solving. Top executives are those that employ both the right and left sides of their brains. For example, I believe that we aren’t creative or analytical but rather we can be taught to think both ways. By teaching students to approach challenges with an open mind and eye towards creative problem solving, educators can enable them to identify unique solutions by thinking both visually and analytically. High school is the ideal stage to develop these problem-solving skills, which can later be applied to real-world issues, whether in science, technology, business, or social and environmental change.

3. Empowering Entrepreneurship

The entrepreneurial spirit is a powerful driver of economic growth and societal progress. It’s what either drives successful businesses or stagnates others. High school is the perfect time to nurture this spirit, teaching students how to identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and turn their ideas into reality. An early introduction to entrepreneurship can lead to a generation of innovative business leaders and job creators.

4. Enhancing Collaboration and Communication

Innovation often thrives in collaborative environments. There is no better place than high school where students yearn to be accepted, collaborative and a part of something that matters. High school is the ideal setting to teach students how to work effectively in teams, share and build on ideas, and communicate their thoughts clearly. These skills are not only essential for innovation but also for success in any career and personal relationships.

5. Encouraging Lifelong Learning

Learning how to think creatively and innovate is not a one-time endeavor; it's a lifelong journey and a pillar in everything I do in life, whether that be through my meditation practice or becoming a professor this past summer. Lifelong learning keeps the brain elastic and sharp. By introducing these concepts in high school, educators cultivate a mindset of curiosity and continuous learning. Students are encouraged to seek out knowledge, explore new interests, and adapt to changing circumstances throughout their lives.

So How do We Incorporate Innovation and Creative Thinking?

This summer I had the honor of teaching at my alma mater UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law. One of the lessons I tried to instill was that there aren't right or wrong answers but the strongest, most relevant argument that most accurately expresses the intention of a law. Often law students come in thinking there must only be one winning argument. And, it made me wonder how I could get students to think both analytically and creatively often and earlier in their education. I believe to integrate innovation and creative thinking into high school curricula, we could explore the following areas:

• Offer Elective Courses: Create elective courses or workshops that focus on innovation, design, and creativity.

• Project-Based Learning: Implement project-based learning approaches that challenge students to tackle real-world problems. Incentive students to invent and create.

• Guest Speakers and Mentors: Invite guest speakers and mentors from diverse industries and backgrounds to inspire and guide students. This is usually reserved for college but I know many local professionals, including myself that would love to guest lecture at a high school.

• Interdisciplinary Learning: Encourage interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to see connections between subjects and foster creative problem-solving. Is there an opportunity to discuss how math is used in art (like rules of linear perspective) or how literature inspires business innovation (like how the poetry of Metamorphoses is a look at how change can be orchestrated for good or evil)?

In conclusion, high schools, especially in the public sphere, must evolve to meet the demands and challenges of the 21st century. By prioritizing innovation and creative thinking in education, we equip the leaders and problem solvers of tomorrow with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It's time to unlock the creative potential within every high school student and empower them to shape a brighter future for us all.