Creativity Tools
Thinking Creatively
Groups are often formed to work together on solving a problem with the premise that two (or more) heads are better than one. This assumes that different people have different ideas or perspectives. This is generally true, but often in institutions, such as schools, responses to problems become, well, institutionalized -- the same response given to the seemingly same problem. Even though there is more than one mind thinking about the problem, there is a good chance that everyone will only see the same solution. In these situations it is necessary to come up with new and creative solutions. However, our creative thinking habits are not always well developed. Fortunately, there are some tools out there to help us flex that creative portion of our brain.
Six Thinking Hats
| Edward de Bono has written extensively about creative thought, particularly what he calls "lateral thinking." Lateral thinking flexes that creative muscle. He has written numerous books to assist people in improving their thought process. Six Thinking Hats is one of those texts that attempts to help a group simplify the thought around a complex problem. By tackling one aspect of the thinking process one hat at a time, all six aspects can be addressed without the confusion of thought that sometimes occurs when emotional thought, for example, interacts with logical thought. Using this process, a group can tend to the facts of the situation (white hat), the emotions (red hat), the negative challenges (black hat), the hopeful possibilities (yellow hat), creative brainstorming ideas (green hat), and the control of the whole process (blue hat). Putting on and taking off hats at different times for different tasks, provides the opportunity for a group to clearly identify the thinking that is going on in the moment and focuses the group. Everyone knows that eventually all the issues surrounding the concern will be addressed, thus freeing up each person's mind to deal with the thinking at hand. |  |
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de Bono has other materials that may also be useful. The text, Lateral Thinking, explains and gives examples of lateral thinking, along with thoughts on how to improve that thinking. His Thinking Course book discusses thought processes that we all use, including decision-making and deliberate thinking. Mind Pack is actually a set of games, puzzles, and exercises designed to expand thinking skills. Useful for a group to include occasionally these activities help you to take different perspectives, increase your brainstorming potential, and improve your thinking agility. Though some of this may seem to take up valuable time at a meeting, 15 minutes of improving your thinking can decrese the time spent in struggle later on. |
Thinkertoys
Michael Michalko has developed numerous activities that can be
used by a group to move their thinking around a situation they confront.
Activities are designed for different decision-making or group thinking
needs. One example is that of a force-field analysis. In this activity,
a vertical line is drawn in the middle of a large piece of paper.
This line represents the proposed change. Then on one side of the
line an arrow is drawn pointing to the line. On this side the group
identifies and lists those "forces" that are promoting that
change. The same is then done on the other side of the line, but this
time the forces listed are those working against the proposed changes.
This gives a graphic representation of the real status of the proposed
changing being able to happen.. Michalko's book, Thinkertoys,
is his reference collection of these activities he has used in his
creativity work with clients. |
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Brainstorming
There are a number of brainstorming activities that a group can use to provide structure and support, and thus success to the brainstorming. "Graffiti Board" and "Webbing What's on Your Mind" are two that come to us from J. Harste and K. Short's Creating Classrooms for Authors and Inquirers (see the chapter on Curricular Engagement). Both activities provide a structure for people to brainstorm ideas uninterrupted and then make connections with others.
No time to check out that resource? Brainstorming activities have basically three components: idea generation, discussion, and narrowing or choosing. The important element in the generation is that all ideas are accepted and recorded without any editorial commentary by anyone (including the author -- no "Well this isn't probably a good idea, but.. " statements ) The generation should go on as long as necessary, until the group seems to run out of steam (but don't confuse a lull where people's minds are churning based on thoughts they heard with running out of steam, though....). Using a chalkboard or large pad and easel keeps the ideas in front of everyone. Once all the ideas are on the table, people can ask questions about the ideas for further clarification or understanding. The last stage involves sorting out ideas and choosing those that seem the most promising. Brainstorming is a valuable activity that is not as easy as it looks. Don't be afraid to use a scripted activity guide or an experienced facilitator the first few times the group tries it.
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