Strategies and tools for divergent thinking In a previous post, I discussed divergent thinking, an important part of innovation that’s not adequately supported in many workplaces. I also described how group dynamics can influence divergent thinking. In this post, I’ll take a look at some strategies and tools that can be used to promote divergent thinking. Some basic principles There are four general guidelines for supporting divergent thinking: Deferring judgment (this includes both criticism and praise)Encouraging the numbers—collecting every possible ideaSupporting the strange—striving for the unusual and encouraging different perspectivesLooking for combinations of ideas that might work together; i.e., building off the ideas of others Environment and roles Divergent thinking is more likely to thrive in an environment that allows for different types of expression, encourages risk, and allows failure. For example, we can: Divergent thinking techniques There are many different techniques that encourage divergent thinking. References
Fuel Creativity in the Classroom With Divergent Thinking Defining Divergent Thinking The word divergent is partly defined as “tending to be different or develop in different directions.” Divergent thinking refers to the way the mind generates ideas beyond proscribed expectations and rote thinking—what is usually referred to thinking outside the box, and is often associated with creativity. Studies suggest that, as children, our divergence capability is high, and decreases dramatically as we become adults. Divergent behavior is discouraged in school when students are scared to say or do the “wrong thing” in class. It must be said that there are valid reasons why divergent thinking is discouraged in our classrooms. Teachers also might find divergent thinking and behavior a challenge when students ignore directions and rules, and, if we’re honest with ourselves, display personality traits that operate outside societal norms. In the Classroom: Strategies Ideally, divergent and convergent thinking work in harmony with each other. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Divergent thinking A method of generating creative ideas Divergent thinking is a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. It typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing, "non-linear" manner, such that many ideas are generated in an emergent cognitive fashion. The psychologist J.P. A map of how Divergent Thinking works Activities[edit] Activities which promote divergent thinking include creating lists of questions, setting aside time for thinking and meditation, brainstorming, subject mapping, bubble mapping, keeping a journal, playing tabletop role-playing games,[1] creating artwork, and free writing. Playfulness[edit] Parallels have been drawn between playfulness in kindergarten-aged children and divergent thinking. Effects of positive and negative mood[edit] Effects of sleep deprivation[edit] While little research has been conducted on the impact of sleep deprivation on divergent thinking, one study by J.A. See also[edit] Lateral thinking
How to Kill Creativity If the mantra for the current business climate is Innovate or die, why do so many companies seem to be choosing the latter option? Creativity gets killed much more often than it gets supported. The problem is not that managers smother creativity intentionally—the business need for coordination and control can inadvertently undermine employees’ ability to put existing ideas together in new and useful ways. To foster an innovative workplace, you need to pay attention to employees’ expertise, creative-thinking skills, and motivation. Of these three, employees’ motivation—specifically, their intrinsic motivation, or passion for a certain kind of challenge—is the most potent lever a manager can use to boost creativity and his company’s future success. The Idea in Practice In business, it isn’t enough for an idea to be original—the idea must also be useful, appropriate, and actionable. Within every individual, creativity exists as a function of three components: 2. creative-thinking skills.
What is creativity? The ultimate guide to understanding today’s most important ability. - 99designs Creativity is one of those traits that people seem to have an intrinsic understanding of, but if you actually ask them to define it, they get tripped up. It’s easy to come up with a list of creative people (Frida Kahlo, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Einstein), and the outcomes of creativity (a novel, an invention, a new way of looking at the world), but it’s difficult to wrap your head around the actual concept of creativity. The more I researched this article, the more I realized creativity is an incredibly nuanced phenomenon. But you have to start somewhere, so let’s begin with a definition: Creativity is the ability to transcend traditional ways of thinking or acting, and to develop new and original ideas, methods or objects. Let’s break that down: It’s an ability It’s also an ability to run a mile, or to do calculus or recite a Shakespearean sonnet (Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?). Great! Creativity is a relatively new phenomenon — Creativity is a pattern of thinking — 1.
Creativity Creativity is a phenomenon whereby something new and somehow valuable is formed, such as an idea, a scientific theory, an invention, a literary work, a painting, a musical composition, a joke, etc. Scholarly interest in creativity involves many definitions and concepts pertaining to a number of disciplines: psychology, cognitive science, education, philosophy (particularly philosophy of science), technology, theology, sociology, linguistics, business studies, songwriting, and economics, covering the relations between creativity and general intelligence, mental and neurological processes, personality type and creative ability, creativity and mental health; the potential for fostering creativity through education and training, especially as augmented by technology; and the application of creative resources to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning. Definition[edit] Aspects[edit] Etymology[edit] History of the concept[edit] Ancient views[edit] The Enlightenment and after[edit] J. J.
Why we need group work in Online Learning This post is 1st in a 3 part series on the topic of group work in online learning communities. Post 2 will be about strategies for effective group work, and post 3, successful evaluation and outcomes Group work. Students groan when they find out there’s a group assignment that’s part of the grading for a given class [ I’m no exception]. Students learning online don’t feel much different, and given the time and distance barriers, it presents even more challenges for these students. What is it about group work that is so distasteful? The future IS Collaboration Collaboration goes beyond, two or more people working together towards a common goal – in today’s terms, collaboration is about open, learning, relationships, sharing and innovation. 1. Collaborative skills, developed through effective communication in online environments is, and will be essential to workplaces in the 21st century. 2. Where do Ideas come From? 3. Like this: Like Loading...
Why Companies Need Creative Leaders In The Future Of Work In 2019, LinkedIn named it “the most important skill in the world.” The World Economic Forum (WEF) placed it third on a list of the “10 skills you need to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” Surprisingly, it is not data science or artificial intelligence, but something much softer: creativity. In her book, The Creativity Leap, Natalie Nixon defines creativity as “the ability to toggle between wonder and rigor in order to solve problems and deliver novel value.” Yet many leaders are failing to cultivate this essential quality — both within their own leadership and within their organizations. Secure a Competitive Advantage According to a survey from Adobe and Forrester Consulting, creative companies are “more likely to report a commanding market leadership position with a higher market share than their competitors.” Over the long run, research from McKinsey shows that having such a differentiator — let’s call it the “creativity factor” — can lead to better returns.
by raviii Apr 2