All About Creative Thinking

References

Atherton, J.S. (2013). Learning and teaching; Convergent and divergent learning. Retrieved from http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/converge.htm

Facione, P.A. (2006). Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts. Millbrae, CA: California Academic Press.

Treffinger, D.J. (2008). Preparing creative and critical thinkers. Educational Leadership, (65). Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/summer08/vol65/num09/Preparing-Creative-and-Critical-Thinkers.aspx

Why is creative thinking significant in education?

As innovation in teaching and learning change because of new technological advances, creative thinking is a must for all. Students are leaving thier pencils, books, and desks behind, entering a new age of digital media, blended learning, and flipped classrooms, things that require creative thinking.

Deductive thinking – This is the opposite of inductive, where the big idea is deconstructed into smaller pieces. The conclusions drawn are true.

Example – In science, when teaching currents, voltage, and resistance, if resistance doubles, current is cut in half because circuit current is proportional to voltage and resistance.

Inductive thinking – Finding patterns within small details to make the bigger picture.

Examples – In biology, determining the number of cells present within the cell cycle. (it goes from great to least from to interphase to telophase.

Critical thinking - Concergent thinking where we judge by the merits. We find answers following the evidence.

Examples - essay prompts in ELA

Innovation – Think of the synthesis aspect of Bloom’s Taxonomy. It deals mostly with “What if’s.” New ideas are created, predictions are made, and conclusions are drawn.

Examples – In math, students discuss parabolic graphing and its relevance in the real world. The teacher introduces the study of suspension bridges. Students generate new ideas.

Convergent thinking – This thinking means finding the best or right answer to apply to a question. Multiple ideas and answers can be given, but they are usually ration-based on relate to the subject matter

Examples include standardized multiple-choice tests

Divergent thinking – Moving from the big picture to smaller chunks. Students brainstorm and generate ideas about a given topic or theme in a short span of time. The creating of ideas is haphazard; later, it will be more centrally organized.

Examples include brainstorming, journaling, or freewriting

What is creative thinking?

If critical thinking involves us weighing the facts and evidence in front of us through an analytical lens, then creative thinking is generating fresh and exciting ideas when first seeing material. Creative thinking deals with risk and chance, stepping out and exploring the possibilities, and being unafraid of “getting it” wrong.

This presentation looks at the leading types of creative thinking and how they are applicable in P-12 education.

All About Creative Thinking

Created by Alisa Dickson