This document outlines a module on creative thinking skills. The module aims to develop students' critical and creative thinking abilities through applying various thinking techniques and strategies. It is an 18-week course worth 4 credits that involves lectures, tutorials, and assignments. Students will learn key concepts like divergent and convergent thinking. They will complete assignments applying these concepts, like keeping an idea journal. The final assessment involves an individual presentation and group project presenting their ideas. The module aims to provide skills that support students' learning in their field of study.

1. Foundation in Design
FOUNDATION IN DESIGN
MODULE OUTLINE
July 2015
Creative Thinking Skills
DST30204
Prepared by Charles Sharma Naidu

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MODULE DETAILS AND CONTACTS
NOTE: Please READ & RETAIN this Module Handbook for reference throughout the semester
FOUNDATION IN DESIGN
Creative Thinking Skills
DST30204
Credit Hours
Successful completion of the module earns you 4 credits
Module Duration
18 weeks
2 hours lecture & 3 hours tutorial a week
Pre Requisite Module
None
Contact Hours (SLT)
Lecture (L): 28 hours, Tutorial (T): 48 hours, Practical (P): 0 hours & Others (O): 88 hours
Total Guided Independent Learning (TGIL): 160 hours
Facilitators
Charles Sharma Naidu
Sufina Abu Bakar
Delliya Mohd Zain
Fu Yen Huei
Iffa Mohd Nayan
The Design School @ Taylor’s
Division of Engineering, Architecture, Building and Design
Taylor's University
Taylor's Lakeside Campus @ C9.27
No. 1, Jalan Taylor's PJS 7/13
47500 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: (+603) 5629 5461
Charles.Sharma@taylors.edu.my
Sufina.AbuBakar@taylors.edu.my
YenHuei.Fu@taylors.edu.my
Delliya.MohdZain@taylors.edu.my
NoorulIffa.MohdNayan@taylors.edu.my
Class Guide and Courtesy
As courtesy to both facilitator and students, please refrain from using your mobile phone or set it
to silent mode when class is in session.
Absence from class requires a legitimate medical certificate or consent letter from parent or
guardian. 80% of attendance is required in order to pass this module.

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All students are required to be punctual for classes. There is a 30-minute grace period, after which
students will be marked as absent.
MODULE AIMS &
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Aims
This module aims to develop students’ critical thinking and idea generation abilities through the
investigation and application of a wide range of thinking skills and techniques. They will
understand the modes of thinking commonly associated with critical thinking (left-brain),
creative thinking (right brain) as well as the holistic (whole brain) thinking approach. Through
the application of divergent and convergent thinking methods, they will research, develop and
present ideas and conclusions in the form of tangible statements. Knowledge and skills acquired
will support the students’ learning through the stages of study to follow.
1. To encourage and inculcate the practice of recording ideas visually based on the theory
and practice of creative thinking.
2. To encourage and inculcate the practice of critical analytical thought through topical
discourse and inquiry based on sound creative thinking strategies.
3. To facilitate the recognition of creative thinking and personal development through
assessment and evaluation of a body of work, compiled as a portfolio.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:
1. Recognize important creative strategies in problem-solving;
2. Describe the use of creative thinking strategies within their field of study;
3. Demonstrate their knowledge by applying creative strategies in a variety of assignments; self-
examine their learning through introspection (e-portfolio).
Major TGC Acquired in This Module
Module Learning Outcomes and Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC) acquired by students upon
successful completion of the module.
Taylor's Graduate Capabilities Matrix Mapping
TGC
1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1 2.2 2.3 3.1 3.2 4.1 5.1 5.2 6.1 6.2 6.3 7.1 7.2 8.1
Learning Outcome
LO 1   
LO 2   
LO 3    
Project / Assignment Brief
Continuous Assessment 50%

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Idea Journal 20%              
Assignment 1
10%
              
Assignment 2
10%
              
Assignment 3
10%
              
Final Assessment 40%
Individual 10%               
Group 30%                
E-Portfolio 10%
E-portfolio 10%                
Marking Criteria
Critical & creative
thinking 20%
               
Able to put theories
into practice 20%
               
Locate, Extract,
synthesize and
utilize information
effectively 20%
              
Communicate
appropriately in
various settings &
modes 20%
               
Effective use of ICT
and related
technology 20%
                
Blended Learning Initiative
OnlineLectures/
Tutorials
LectureCapture
LectureCapture
(Pre-recorded)
Online
Assessment/
Quizzes
OnlineDiscussion
Forum
Information
RetrievalBefore
Lecturesand/or
Tutorials
Blogs/Wikis
VideoProduction
(Assignment
Submissionby
Students)
VirtualSimulation
and/orGaming
BringYourOwn
Device(BYOD)to
Classrooms
Plagiarism
Checking
Others
TotalBlended
LearningHours
Estimated%
ofBlended
Learning
15 0 10 5 10 20 5 10 10 10 0 0 95 56%

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MODULE WEEKLY PLAN (July 2015)
Weekly Plan
Week Topic Contents
Delivery
Methods
Week 1 Introduction to Creative
Thinking Skills
Lecture01: Introduction to ZIG-ZAG, idea-journal and
ice breaking
Lecture,
activities
class
organisation
and
requirements
Week 2
TOPIC: DEVELOPING
THINKING SKILLS
Lecture02: Step 1: Ask – The Problem Question;
discovering solutions with existing issues - Asking the
right question. Egg briefing
Lecture,
Tutorial,
activity
Week 3
TOPIC: CREATIVE
IDEATION
Lecture03: Step 2: Learn – The Importance of
Knowledge
Egg submission (10%)
Lecture,
Tutorial,
 activity
Week 4 TOPIC: OBSERVATION Lecture04: Step 3: Look – The Power of Observation
Lecture,
Tutorial,
 activity
Week 5 TOPIC: PLAYFULNESS
PT1
Lecture05: Step 4: Play (Part 1) – The Power of
Creative Play in the Ideation Process (First Practice)
Mask briefing
Lecture,
Tutorial,
 activity
Week 6 TOPIC: PLAYFULNESS
PT2
Lecture06: Step 4: Play (Part 2) – The Power of
Creative Play in the Ideation Process (Second Practice)
Lecture,
Tutorial,
 activity
Week 7 TOPIC: PLAYFULNESS
PT3
Lecture07: Step 4: Play (Part 3) – The Power of
Creative Play in the Ideation Process (Third Practice)
Mask submission (10%)
Lecture,
Tutorial,
 activity
Semester Break
Week 8
TOPIC: THINKING OUT
LOUD
Lecture08: Step 5: Think – The Mapping Out of Ideas. Lecture,
Tutorial,
 activity
Week 9
TOPIC: CRITICAL
THINKING
Lecture09: Step 6: Fuse – Combining Ideas to boost
Innovation
Fuse assignment brief
Lecture,
Tutorial,
 activity

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* Note: This module outline is subject to change with short notice. = online and journal activities
Week 10 TOPIC: INNOVATION Lecture10: Step 7: Choose – Know What You’re
Looking For.
Lecture,
Tutorial,
 activity
Week 11 Submission Submission of Fuse assignment (10%)
Lecture,
Tutorial,
 activity
Week 12 TOPIC: SYNTHESIS
Lecture12: Step 8: Make – Putting It All Together
(Creation) FINAL PROJECT BRIEF
Lecture,
Tutorial,
 activity
Week 13
FINAL PROJECT
TUTORIALS
Introduction and overview
Lecture,
Tutorial,
 activity
Week 14
FINAL PROJECT
TUTORIALS
Team based tutorials
Tutorial,
 activity
Week 15
FINAL PROJECT
TUTORIALS
Progress crit session
Tutorial,
 activity
Week 16
FINAL PROJECT
TUTORIALS
Team based tutorials
Tutorial,
 activity
Week 17
FINAL PROJECT
PRESENTATION
Final Presentation (40%)
SUBMISSION OF IDJ (20%)
Presentation
activity
Week 18 E-Portfolio submission
Tutorial,
 activity

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ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Marking Criteria & % Distribution (%) LO1 LO2 LO3
Continuous Assessment (50%)
Breakdown Mark(%)
Idea journal 20%
Assignment 1 10%
Assignment 2 10%
Assignment 3 10%
50   
Final Assessment (40%)
Breakdown Mark(%)
Individual 10%
Group 30%
40   
E-portfolio (10%) 10   
Total 100
Mandatory Criteria:
It is compulsory to attempt all components of graded assessments. Failing to attempt one or
cumulative of components worth 20% or more, the student would be graded D, by which a
resubmission will be granted even though the student has achieved more than 50% in the
overall assessment.
MODULE REFERENCES
Recommended Reading
1. Sawyer, K. (2013). Zig Zag: The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity. Wiley. com.
2. Michalko, M. (2010). Thinkertoys: A handbook of creative-thinking techniques. Random House
Digital, Inc.
Other References
1. Liu, E., & Noppe-Brandon, S. (2011). Imagination first: Unlocking the power of possibility. John
Wiley & Sons.
2. Michalko, M. (2001). Cracking creativity: The secrets of creative genius. Random House Digital, Inc.
3. Buzan, T. & Buzan, B. (1996). The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your
Brain's Untapped Potential, Plume; Reprint Edition.
4. Pink, D.H. (2005). A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. Riverhead Books
For referencing purpose:
http://taylorslibrary.taylors.edu.my/user_skills/user_support_students
Note: Once on the webpage, scroll down to item E. Referencing

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GRADING SCHEME
Grade Marks
Grade
Points
Definition Description
A 80 – 100 4.00 Excellent
Evidence of original thinking; demonstrated
outstanding capacity to analyze and
synthesize; outstanding grasp of module
matter; evidence of extensive knowledge
base
A- 75 – 79 3.67 Very Good
Evidence of good grasp of module matter;
critical capacity and analytical ability;
understanding of relevant issues; evidence
of familiarity with the literature
B+ 70 – 74 3.33
Good
Evidence of grasp of module module;
critical capacity and analytical ability,
reasonable understanding of relevant
issues; evidence of familiarity with the
literature
B 65 – 69 3.00
B- 60 – 64 2.67
Pass
Evidence of some understanding of the
module matter; ability to develop solutions
to simple problems; benefitting from his/her
university experience
C+ 55 – 59 2.33
C 50 – 54 2.00
D+ 47 – 49 1.67
Marginal
Fail
Evidence of nearly but not quite acceptable
familiarity with
subject matter, weak in critical and
analytical skills.
D 44 – 46 1.33
D- 40 – 43 1.00
F 0 – 39 0.00 Fail
Insufficient evidence of understanding of
the module matter; weakness in critical
and analytical skills; limited or irrelevant
use of the literature
WD - - Withdrawn
Withdrawn from a module before census
date, typically mid semester
F(W) 0 0.00 Fail
Withdrawn after census date, typically mid
semester
IN - - Incomplete
An interim notation given for a module
where a student has not completed certain
requirements with valid reason or it is not
possible to finalise the grade by the
published deadline
P - - Pass
Given for satisfactory completion of
practicum
AU - - Audit
Given for a module where attendance is for
information only without earning academic
credit

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POLICIES
Students must attend all the consultation sessions in class and constantly show individual
progression until the week of deadline. 80% attendance is the basic requirement of this module.
Students failing to meet this requirement will face a penalty of mark percentage deduction. Any
progression checks after due dates will not be accepted, unless you have valid reasons with
supportive documents.
Assignment Submission
Assignments MUST be submitted on the due date handed personally to your module lecturer.
Assignments can be submitted before the due date outside of class with the prior agreement of the
lecturer.
Late Assignments / Extensions
Work that is submitted after the due date will be penalised. 2 marks will be deducted every
subsequent day after failure to submit on the deadline set by the lecturers. Deduction applies on
weekdays and Saturday. No work will be accepted after one week of delay from the deadline given,
unless you have valid reasons with supportive documents. Extensions can only be granted if a
student can show adequate progress towards completion of the assessment and there are
extenuating circumstances preventing them from delivering the assessment on the due date. In the
case of a request of an extension due to medical circumstances, students must produce an original
medical certificate. The lecturer will only give extensions for a total amount of time not exceeding
the equivalent number of days the medical certificate considered valid.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a breach of intellectual property; the act of using or copying someone else’s idea or
work and trying to present it as your own. It is taking and using someone else’s work without
proper attribution.
Intellectual Property involves:
 Another person’s idea, opinion, or theory
 Any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings—any pieces of information—that are not common
knowledge
 Quotations of another person’s actual spoken or written words
 Paraphrase of another person’s spoken or written words
Issues of intellectual property extend beyond the written word of course. Bear in mind that the use
of still images, moving images, audio or any other content which you have not created yourself, and
which you do not have the appropriate permission to use, is an serious offence resulting in a FAIL
grade for the subject.
Using Internet Sources
The World Wide Web has become a popular source of information for students’ papers, and many
questions have arisen about how to avoid plagiarising these sources. In most cases, the same rules
apply as for a printed source: when you refer to ideas or quote from a WWW site, you must cite that
source.If you want to use visual information from a WWW site, many of the same rules apply.
Copying visual information or graphics from a WWW site (or from a printed source) into a paper is
very similar to quoting information, and the source of the visual information or graphic must be cited.
These rules also apply to other uses of textual or visual information from WWW sites.
Module Coordinator:
Date:
Programme Director:
Date:

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Reference:
Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC)
1. Discipline Specific Knowledge
1.1 Able to put theories into practice
1.2 Understand ethical issues in the context of the field of study
1.3 Understand professional practice within the field of study
2. Lifelong Learning
2.1 Learn Independently
2.2 Locate, Extract, synthesize and utilize information effectively
2.3 Be intellectual engaged
3. Thinking and Problem Solving skills
3.1 Think critically and creatively
3.2 Define and analyze problems to arrive at effective solutions
4. Communication Skills
4.1 Communicate appropriately in various settings and modes
5. Interpersonal Skills
5.1 Understand team dynamics and mobilize the power of teams
5.2 Understand and assume leadership
6. Intrapersonal Skills
6.1 Manage oneself and be self –reliant
6.2 Reflection one’s action and learning
6.3 Embody Taylor’s core values
7. Citizenship and Global Perspectives
7.1 Be aware of and form opinions from diverse perspectives
7.2 Understand the value of civic responsibility and community
engagement
8. Digital Literacy
8.1 Effective use of ICT and related technology