Running head: LEARNING OUTCOME REFLECTION

Learning Outcome Reflection: Creativity Skills Troy J. Cook The Robert B. Miller College February 17, 2014

REFLECTION 2: CREATIVITY Reflection 3: Creativity Skills At the end of my journey as a college student at The Robert B. Miller College I was

asked to reflect upon various outcomes described in the Mission Statement for the School of Arts & Sciences. For the purpose of this paper I will be discussing exactly that, creativity, and the use of various assignments that helped further growth in this area. For me these assignments included literature, movies, and visual aids. Through the curriculum assigned, advancements have been made. My course of studies while at Miller College further developed my creativity skills. The first assignment I would like to reflect upon that further developed my creativity skills is a literature assignment given during the spring semester 2013 in ENGL 310. It was an essay assignment requiring us to compare and contrast two poems written by Edwin Arlington Robinson Cliff Klingenhagen and Miniver Cheevy. Because of the major difference in length between these two poems I had to be creative when using theme and tone to accomplish the assignment. While the exposure to this literature gave me a greater appreciation for poetry, the essay requirement allowed me a chance to demonstrate the ability to converse intelligently on matters related to these poems. This assignment was just one of many that further developed my creativity skills. The second assignment I would like to reflect upon that further developed my creativity skills is a movie assignment given during the same semester and same class during the spring 2013 semester instructed by John Rasmussen. Again it was an essay requirement, this time on a film titled Up in the Air. Through the use of creativity in this film, the director was able to portray a sense of comfort in living life alone. At the time this was a new perspective for me and the life that I was living. Because of this assignment I was able to find peace with my own

REFLECTION 2: CREATIVITY situation creatively. Not only did this film help me gain a greater appreciation for film as a form of art, it also allowed me a new way of thinking. Again through the use of arts, both literature

and film, my creativity was expanded and my ability to converse intelligently was demonstrated. The third assignment I would like to reflect upon that further developed my creativity skills is a presentation assignment given for SOCI 320, Contemporary American Family. This assignment required the use of both PowerPoint and one other form of visual aid. The instructor, Tammi Lawrence, assigned us a group presentation over chapter twelve. Creativity in the use of the other form of visual aid was welcomed and encouraged. Using creativity I was able to supply our group with a clip from a famous and extremely funny actor named Betty White, who starred in a successful sitcom about the exact chapter topic, old age. This assignment along with the others through the use of creativity allowed me the opportunity to explore new ideas and concepts for delivering presentations. My course of studies while at Miller College further developed my creativity skills. Reflecting back throughout various situations, both personally and academically, I have grown as an individual due to the education delivered while at Miller College. While not all growth was recognized at the time, the growth is there. Creativity skills are an important aspect of evolving as a person. While life as a whole is a journey we must all travel, these skills can only help with the road that lies ahead. Conflict will arise but with the use of creativity, resolution can prevail!