The Importance of Creative Methodologies: Exploring the Pedagogical Possibilities of Creative Methodologies within Settler-Colonial Education Systems.

Abstract

My Major Research Paper (MRP) explores the pedagogical possibilities of creative methodologies within settler-colonial education systems. Driven by my own experiences and backed up by extensive research, I explore the reasons why creativity, creative pathways, and creative methodologies need to be included within settler-colonial education systems. I conduct my research by drawing on theories of intersectionality, feminist postmodernism, and affect theory. To get my results, I explore topics such as inclusivity, accessibility, racial inequalities, healing, pedagogy, and art history. My research also draws on a variety of examples of creative methodologies, such as music, poems, craft, graffiti, paintings, scrapbooks, comics, visual memoirs, sculptures, and more. At the forefront of many of my examples are Indigenous, BIPOC, and other non-Eurocentric creative knowledge productions. To further explore the pedagogical possibilities of creative methodologies, I use a creative methodological framework for the scope of my paper. I accompany my MRP with three feminist artworks that I created: What Were They Wearing?, Table Talk, and More Than Numbers. By including these artworks, my goal is to provide a firsthand exploration of creative methodologies, how they can be used, and how they can be effective pedagogy. I passionately explore the many pedagogical possibilities that creative methodologies have as I am driven to have them welcomed, honoured, and accepted within settler-colonial education systems.