Brussels, 21/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 17 December, the European Commission presented the results of a survey- the first of its kind- assessing creativity and innovation in European schools. The results show that the vast majority (94%) of teachers are firmly convinced of the importance of developing these qualities in children. Nearly 96% believe that this creativity can be developed in all areas of learning and that each child can develop his or her own specific predispositions. The study also shows that innovative teaching methods are starting to spread through Europe. Six teachers out of every 10 say that they were taught in this way, and the other four that their training helps them to develop creativity. Lastly, new information and communication technologies are believed to be very important by 80% of teachers. The survey was carried out by the European schools network European Schoolnet (EUN), working in partnership with the Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) and with the support of the European Commission. The results were presented at the end conference of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation, which was held in Stockholm on 16 and 17 December. (I.L./trans.fl)