Subject: Creativity

Posted by Connie Woodberry on 10/10/2010
In Reply To:Creativity Posted by Jay Forrester on 10/10/2010

Message:

Innovation is really only creative problem solving that is totally freewheeling until it hits the pragmatic forces of time, money etc.

This is where it gets interesting though. How can you solve any problem within set constraints? And if you can’t how can you change the constraints?

But if I can be lame - The problem is the problem.

Teachers, employers, governments etc rush to identify the Problem to be solved and then presuppose the Solution and then expect students, and the rest of the citizenry to rush down that particular path. And we do this over and over again.

My experience has been that letting students consider the problem (especially the problems that impact on them personally or of their own choosing) can lead to massively hitherto unleashed innovation. And usually their knowledge of mathematics and science (and technology) as well as other knowledge and experiences are the keys.

When asked how long does it take to create an innovator I say 10 weeks and have seen this work with thousands of students.

The step by step process is simple – getting all of the players (teachers etc) to play is harder. Nevertheless here’s the simple pattern.

Provide them with the background science, mathematics and technology (and history) from the curriculum (standard teaching);
Get them to trust their tactic knowledge as well;
Follow that up with a framework for problem solving;
Give them a real choice in how to solve the problem they have identifed;
Make them responsible;
Give them as many resources as possible (mainly human resources from scientists, teachers, members of community, peers);
Acknowledge their thinking;
Follow up, follow up, follow up;
Then - What’s next to explore?

If we make problem solving the main thing in education then we’ll get innovators for sure.

Connie Woodberry

Follow Ups:

Creativity - Sharon Villines 10/12/2010