DeKALB | In a country where standardized testing is dominant, creativity becomes an important asset.

This is what John Steers, General Secretary of the National Society for Education in Art and Design in the United Kingdom, is expected to talk about when he visits NIU Thursday to present his lecture, “Teaching for Creativity.”

Steers is coming to speak on the importance of creativity, especially in a country where standardized testing is such a dominant part of the public school system, the importance of creativity in society, and how society must push its thinking forward.

Douglas Boughton, director of the School of Art, said Steers will probably cover a bit of history in his presentation.

“Schools in the U.K. have embraced new ways of thinking,” Boughton said. “Their government has moved towards a further recognition of art, science, and creativity. This is something the U.S. hasn’t done.”

Freshman art major Julia Swann said it is important to bring guests such as Steers to speak on campus.

“It brings awareness to certain topics and brings prestige to the school,” Swann said.

The talk is hosted by NIU School of Art Visiting Artists and Scholars Program.

“We have a wide variety of people coming in…it makes the university truly universal,” Boughton said. “It is a very important part of the life of students to have exposure to these people.”

Andrew Liccardo, assistant director of the School of Art, said the program is critical for students.

“It brings in ideas outside of the university,” Liccardo said.

In addition to his position with NSEAD, Steers has worked with the International Society for Education through Arts from 1983 to 1996 and was on the executive committee through 2005. He was a secondary education teacher for several years.