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Module Objective
Many variables are involved in creative problem solving; imagination, openness, self-efficacy and divergent thinking and the strategies people employ in problem-solving (Scott, Lonergan, & Mumford, 2005) have all been associated with success in solving the type of complex, ill-defined problems that demand creativity. Creativity, in its simplest form, is the birth of an idea that combines known elements into something new (Ciardi 1956). Considerable emphasis in the last decade has been placed on increasing creativity in the lecture theatre. Educators have criticized the current structure (e.g., traditional lecture format) as killing [student] creativity, as instructors tend to focus more on knowledge acquisition rather than providing students with creative problem-solving opportunities (Kaila 2005).
In the contemporary world, the emergence of so called Wicked Problems (crime, climate change, refugee crisis etc) has led to a greater need for higher creativity.
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
Understand the different models of creativity
Appreciate the difference between individual and group creativity
Experiment with different models of problem solving
Appreciate the role of divergent and convergent thinking in creativity and problem solving
Be conversant with the steps in the process of problem solving
Be fluent in the use of the six step model: The six steps include: problem identification, problem delineation, information gathering, idea generation, idea evaluation and refinement, and idea implementation.
Module content
Models of individual creativity.
Approaches to creative problem solving
Group and team creativity
Techniques for enhancing creativity
Problem solving models
Problem defining; goal setting; developing solutions
Optimising brainstorming
Design Thinking
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CREATIVE THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING
