Class 3

So today we did a little of a recap on a little book called Creativity for Critical Thinkers. Quite an awesome little read. Weston starts by listing the some qualities of creative people:

• they can be critical!
• innovative
• inventive
• disciplined
• persistent

Here were what my classmates took away from the book: (a bit a testimonial for you non-believers)

• anyone can be creative, you have to practice though!
• when you get a good idea, keep going!
• in the beginning, creativity is stifled by criticism, don't judge- no idea is a bad one. :)
• they key to creativity is reframing your problems

You can reframe your problem by:

• Thinking Laterally (Look at 'Ways to Multiply Ideas)
• Find opportunities in the problem
• Think preventatively

Here's a couple of ways to multiply your ideas:

• Exotic Associations- This is an awesome technique! So you've got a problem, pick a random word, (any word!) and apply it or any related concepts to your current problem, it works, you just have to let your imagination wander a bit
• Go public with your idea, get feedback.
• Compare and Contrast
• Exaggerate the problem or solution, or both!

Here's the Hurson model for creative thinking:

• Explore, Understand/Challenge
• Envision the outcome
• Pin-point the real problem
• List as many possible solutions as you can.
• Choose the best solution and make it better.
• Align your resources

Otherwise put: DGEDIF

Define, Generate. Evaluate, Decide, Implement, Folow up

Peace for now~