A mandalic approach to the creative process: A paradigm for use with college student

The major focus of this project--the actualization of creative potential in college students--addresses a concern shared by a growing number of contemporary theorists and practitioners in the field of education. This topic is of particular interest to those educators in the area of adult remediation, for it is here that the creative potential of a student population is inadequately addressed. It is also apparent that existing programs which attempt to compensate for academic deficiencies solely by intensified training in basic skills, often merely replicate the learning modes which initially failed to foster education in the first place. It seems readily apparent that a more comprehensive model of remediation is desirable. Essentially what is needed is one that would provide a mode of educational experience that can be used to enhance a deeper awareness of the creative potential of the students.;In endeavoring to formulate an understanding of the creative process that would speak to these concerns, several pivotal schools of thought concerned with creativity have been reviewed. From this review, there has emerged an innovative theoretical framework accompanied by a practical approach for the application of the creative process in the context of a college classroom. Specifically, what is proposed here, is that the ancient artistic symbol of the mandala--and the process which is inherent in its formation--can serve as a viable model for the creative process. After a survey of the mandala and its role in a variety of cultural contexts, a case is presented for its appropriateness as a paradigm for creativity. This study concludes with a course designed for adult remedial students using the "mandala process" as a vehicle to stimulate creativity, thereby enhancing the possibility of enriching the educational experience of this student population.