Could creativity and intellectual freedom actually depend on the rote?
Following up on his recent article for the Forum, math teacher Dave Maxham dives into why fundamentals and drills are integral to creativity—not hindrances. Between the “drill and kill” and the “free inquiry” camps lies the golden mean: an understanding that mastery and even delight in the basics allows for real, nimble handling of creative problems.
Chapters:
3:19 Defining automaticity, creativity
7:09 The automatic enables the creative
15:14 Returning to basics, overcoming boredom
19:14 Struggle and humility bear fruit
24:05 Mastery and the intrinsic payoff
27:24 Model delight in your subject
35:13 With low standards, high expectations
42:25 The goals of homework
47:58 Cover less material, emphasize process
55:45 Letting them work it out
Links:
Automaticity and Creativity by David Maxham
Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton (see chapter 4, “The Ethics of Elfland”)
Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanation and Explicit Teaching by Zach Groshnell
The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids’ Learning—And How to Help Them Thrive Again by Jared Cooney Horvath
Also on the Forum:
Classroom Habits of Attention in the Age of AI featuring Andrew Cantarutti
Mathematics: The Lost Liberal Art featuring Dave Maxham
The Math Problem: Tackling the “I’m Terrible at Math” Mentality featuring Dave Maxham
Featured Opportunities:
Parents’ Conference at The Heights School (April 25, 2026)
The Art of Teaching Boys Conference at The Heights School (May 6-8, 2026) – waitlist
Teaching Essentials Workshop at The Heights School (June 22-26, 2026)
Convivium Conference for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 2026)