UPEI researcher wins grant to examine the role of teachers in the creative economy
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) have awarded an Insight Grant to Dr. Sean Weibe, Professor of Education at the University of Prince Edward Island. Dr. Wiebe’s project is titled “Reconceptualizing Teachers’ Roles for Canada’s Creative Economy,” and is the recipient of more than $275,000 from SSHRC.
Dr. Weibe’s previous research has demonstrated that education is mired in a language of skills-training that does not engage students’ creative and critical capacities. Rather than training students with obsolete skills for the boom and bust of economic shocks, Dr. Wiebe proposes that students be prepared for a new economy fuelled by creativity.
“Economists widely agree that human creativity drives innovation, and that process begins in schools,” said Dr. Sean Wiebe. “In some schools, there are teachers and students who contribute to the creative economy through blogs, YouTube channels, art installations, and so on. But these contributions are the exception.”
Dr. Wiebe’s project intends to address this problem by supporting innovation within school communities. At test schools, teachers will be trained as artist/researchers and encouraged to experiment with pedagogical practices and design thinking.
“Dr. Weibe's approach to promoting creativity in education will help to prepare students and teachers for the economy of the future, said Dr. Robert Gilmour, Vice-President Academic and Research at UPEI. “Students trained to think outside of traditional boundaries are more likely to appreciate and embrace the innovations of tomorrow and to generate innovations themselves.”
The goal of the Insight program from SSHRC is to build knowledge and understanding about people, societies, and the world by supporting research excellence in all subject areas eligible for funding from SSHRC.
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
