University of Central Florida STARS Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 2016 Perspectives on Creativity: Theoria, Praxis, and Poiesis Kathryn Bryan-Bethea University of Central Florida, [email protected] Part of the Elementary Education and Teaching Commons Find similar works at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd University of Central Florida Libraries http://library.ucf.edu This Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access) is brought to you for free and open access by STARS. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 by an authorized administrator of STARS. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STARS Citation Bryan-Bethea, Kathryn, "Perspectives on Creativity: Theoria, Praxis, and Poiesis" (2016). Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019. 4892. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/4892 PERSPECTIVES ON CREATIVITY: THEORIA, PRAXIS, AND POIESIS by KATHRYN MCDOWELL BRYAN-BETHEA B.A. University of Richmond, 1998 M.A.T Rollins College, 2003 A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the College of Education and Human Performance at the University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida Spring Term 2016 Major Professor: Sherron Killingsworth Roberts © 2016 Kathryn McDowell Bryan-Bethea ii ABSTRACT Theoretical perspectives on creativity encompass ideas such as risk, inquiry, resistance to conformity, and attraction to complexity. In response to these philosophical tenets I have organized my dissertation into three distinct but related manuscripts that explore creativity through theoria (knowing), praxis (doing), and poiesis (making). These manuscripts present an integrated approach to creative pedagogy. 1. The first manuscript is a review of literature with the aim to: provide a brief overview of creativity theories; consider an imbricated definition of creativity; and evaluate current empirical research. Research in creativity should provide a spectrum of methods that reflect the complex nature of the phenomenon. 2. Illustrated through the combination of text and authentic photographs, the second manuscript explores how preservice elementary teachers conceptualize their professional identity. This manuscript includes preservice teachers’ photographic submissions related to professional identity. Implications include considering how these perceptions affect teacher recruitment, retention, and professional regard within our society and school systems. 3. Understanding the interaction between ritual and creativity can elucidate essential qualities of creativity. The third paper will consider the lived experiences of ritual in the creative process of ten Pro-c individuals. As a result of interview analysis, a definition of ritual that is unique to the creative process is revealed. Ritual in the iii creative process is delineated into three hierarchical categories: (1) Ritual construct, an element of the ritual; (2) Ritual quality, a distinguishing characteristic of the ritual; (3) Ritual purpose, the value the ritual provides in the creative process. Keywords: creativity, divergent thinking, innovation, a/r/tography, photography, and ritual. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to recognize the privilege of receiving an education. There are many individuals, and too many women, who are not afforded the opportunity. It is also a gift to study in a society that values diverse perspectives and encourages dialogue. These fundamental beliefs made the work towards this degree a true joy. I would also like to thank the members of my wise and encouraging dissertation committee, each of whom brought insight that elevated this work. Especially, a warm thanks to Sherron Killingsworth Roberts, who gracefully and with loving-toughness took on the added responsibility of chairing my committee. To my husband, Hardin, and our two children, Nora and Samuel: The three of you are my three hundred and sixty degrees. v TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................... viii LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... ix CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW ......................................... 1 Abstract ............................................................................................................................... 1 The Complex Nature of Creativity ..................................................................................... 2 Theoria, Praxis, and Poiesis ................................................................................................ 2 Literature Review................................................................................................................ 3 A Brief Overview of Creativity Theories ............................................................... 4 An Imbricated Definition of Creativity ................................................................. 11 Limitations of Current Empirical Research .......................................................... 14 Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 19 References ......................................................................................................................... 20 CHAPTER TWO: PHOTOGRAPHIC CONCEPTS OF PRESERVICE TEACHER IDENTITY: AN A/R/TOGRAPHY ...................................................................................................... 24 Abstract ............................................................................................................................. 24 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 25 Statement of the Problem .................................................................................................. 25 Methods............................................................................................................................. 26 A/r/tographer Positionality.................................................................................... 28 Sample and Ethical Considerations ...................................................................... 29 Framework for the Visual Arts Creative Process ................................................. 30 Data Collection Procedure .................................................................................... 32 Results ............................................................................................................................... 33 Idealized Perceptions ............................................................................................ 34 Powerless Perceptions ........................................................................................... 41 Critical Perceptions ............................................................................................... 51 Review of the Related Literature ...................................................................................... 53 Teacher Retention ................................................................................................. 53 Teaching as a Semi-Profession ............................................................................. 54 Teacher Self-Perception ........................................................................................ 57 Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 58 References ......................................................................................................................... 61 CHAPTER THREE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF RITUAL IN THE CREATIVE PROCESS OF PRO-C INDIVIDUALS ........................................................................... 63 Abstract ............................................................................................................................. 63 Research Questions ........................................................................................................... 64 vi A Definition of the Creative Process .................................................................... 65 A Definition of Ritual ........................................................................................... 65 Assumptions .......................................................................................................... 66 Delimitations and Limitations ............................................................................... 66 Significance........................................................................................................... 67 Literature Review.............................................................................................................. 67 The Search Strategy .............................................................................................. 67 Results ................................................................................................................... 68 Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 69 Population and Sampling ...................................................................................... 71 Historical Primary Source Data Collection..........................................................