JOB AID
Strategies for Developing Creativity and Critical Thinking
STRATEGY I. Expand Interests
Creativity is fueled by ones love for something. Try to find other things that interest you; it may turn into a love that you never knew.
STRATEGY II. Develop Talents
Recognize your talents, and focus on developing them through creativity and imagination.
All about Learning. Discover and Develop your Talents.
STRATEGY III. Spend Time With Like Minded People
Spend time with people who share the same interest as yours. Brainstorming, planning, or simply talking to people will keep creative juices running, giving new and fresh ideas.
STRATEGY IV. Ambient Noise
Distracting noise will cause one to focus more than usual, which will enhance thinking and creativity.
STRATEGY V. Physical Movement
Movement is important. Pace, jog, or run around; a body in motion encourages abstract thinking versus being still, which encourages fixated thinking.
STRATEGY I. Understanding the Questions
Allow students to examine the questions, having a clear understanding of what the question is asking will allow the students to approach the question with a critical eye.
STRATEGY II. Class Debate
Increase the level of critical thinking by splitting students into groups and allow them time to research their sides to build a strong argument, then mediate and direct the debate.
STRATEGY III. Test Questions
Have students create a few questions and let them know that some of these questions will be used on a quiz. This will encourage a deeper understanding of the topic.
STRATEGY IV. Case Studies and Discussion
Find a course relevant case studies and allow students to discuss what took place in the study and share a different outcome of the study if applicable.
STRATEGY V. Corners
Ask a question that has multiple answers. Give students time to consider their own thinking about the topic, than have them move to a corner of the room that has been designated as the meeting place of all those holding the same opinion or view. In the corner meeting places students may discuss why they think or believe the way they do.
WORKS CITED
- Bharadwaj, Sundar, and Anil Menon. "Making innovation happen in organizations: individual creativity mechanisms, organizational creativity mechanisms or both?." Journal of product innovation management 17.6 (2000): 424-434.
- Burleson, Winslow. "Developing creativity, motivation, and self-actualization with learning systems."International Journal of Human-Computer Studies 63.4 (2005): 436-451.
- Fletcher, T. (2011). Creative thinking in schools: Finding the "just right" challenge for students. Gifted Child Today, 34(2), 37