By Malena Marks
Decorated with seven different degrees (2 Bachelors, 4 Masters, and 1 Doctoral degree), Elena Navrotskaya is particularly equipped to teach the new course, Creative Thinking & Practice at CIS University. In this interview, Professor Elena Navrotskaya reflects on what inspired the course, how creativity shapes her daily life, and why learning new ways of thinking can benefit everyone, even those who do not see themselves as naturally creative.
What inspired you to create and teach the new course, Creative Thinking & Practice?
Endicott College approved this new course, and Dean of Student Affairs Mary McCarthy thought of me, which I’m really grateful for, because I love this course and I think it’s very important.
How does this course differ from traditional creative-thinking classes?
Well, I try to make this one very interactive. We do a lot of activities, and I also try to incorporate AI into the class.
What kind of students do you think benefit most from this course?
Honestly, I think all students can benefit, especially those who think they aren’t creative. That’s really the goal: to help students push their own boundaries. Whether you’re in business, STEM, or any field, creative thinking is useful.
You have an impressive academic background with seven degrees. How has that influenced your teaching style?
It influences my teaching every day. I believe in the interdisciplinary approach. To be successful, you need to bring in ideas from different fields, and that helps me plan classes in a more creative way. My background is mainly in the humanities, but even within that, my former education allows me to build really interesting connections.
What motivated you to pursue so many advanced degrees? Do they all connect to your work at the university?
Yes, they do. I’ve always been interested in learning, and I think each degree added something new to my perspective. My last degree, a master’s in English Culture and its Social Application, was probably my favorite. It had great subjects such as music, literature, and cultural studies, and I think studying in your 30s gives you a deeper appreciation of learning.
Has being part of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies shaped how you view creativity and learning?
Definitely. Interdisciplinary work is at the core of creative thinking. It’s about combining ideas from different areas and making new connections, so it fits perfectly with this course and with how I teach in general.
What are some challenges you face when teaching this course?
One of the hardest things is keeping everyone focused during interactive activities. Sometimes students get distracted, especially if they have their computers out. Students assume that if it’s an activity, they can check out or do something else. That’s why I often go with a no-screens policy.
How do you encourage students to apply creative thinking outside the classroom?
I always encourage them to try something new in their daily life. Something small that pushes their routine. I want them to see creativity not just as something artsy, but as a real-life problem-solving tool. I also teach structured brainstorming techniques that can be applied in any field.
What advice do you give students who feel they aren’t naturally creative?
Creativity is not something you’re either born with or not. It’s something you can learn and practice. You just have to be willing to try, to take risks, and to let go of the idea that there’s only one right answer.
How do you see the role of creative thinking evolving in higher education and in professional fields?
I think it’s becoming more essential. In every industry, people need to adapt, solve problems, and innovate. Creative thinking gives students the flexibility to handle real-world challenges, no matter what career path they choose.
Are there any future projects or courses you’re excited about?
Yes. I used to teach Media Ethics during the summer semester, but now it’s being moved to spring. I’m really excited about that because it’s a course I care deeply about, and I’ll be able to go more in-depth with it now.
What is one thing you hope students take away from your course that they might not find in other classes?
I hope they learn to see things from a different perspective. I know it sounds cliché, but I really want them to learn how to think outside the box, and even how to redesign the box altogether.
How do you personally practice creativity in your own life and work?
I have to practice creativity every day. I’m constantly designing or adjusting lessons, trying to figure out how to make complex or boring topics more engaging. Today, for example, we were discussing religion in a cultural communication class. That’s not always an easy topic, so I had to come up with a way to keep students interested. That kind of creative thinking is part of my everyday life.