Developing Creative Literacy

Existing research confirms that creative thinking skills can be improved through intentional training. However, while many studies explore the short-term effects, no prior qualitative research has investigated the potential long-term influence of learning and practicing these skills. Developing Creative Literacy: The Long-Term Impact of Creativity Training addresses this gap by providing new insights into how a 14-week-long creativity course shapes the lives of those who complete it. The research demonstrates that for the study participants, the creativity training resulted in a substantive and lasting impact that extends well beyond their college years. The study identifies six key themes that form a new theoretical framework called C-SPECD, which provides an updated definition of Creative Literacy. These factors represent core skills essential for navigating a rich creative life journey, including the development of Creative Competencies, defined as a strong belief in one's own creative abilities, and enhanced Collaboration & Empathy, which is the capacity to work effectively with others and express empathy for oneself and others. Furthermore, the framework highlights the importance of cultivating an Openness & Growth Mindset - a willingness to embrace new things and apply a growth mindset for continuous learning and exploring new possibilities - and mastering The Creative Process, which is the ability to understand its mechanics and separate the process from the final product. Creative literacy, as defined by this research, also entails metacognitive abilities and the capacity to apply these core skills. The findings offer significant practical implications for educators, business professionals, and individuals interested in cultivating these high-demand creative capabilities