Problem Solving and Creativity

1. CREATIVITY
PRINNCESS KATE
MANNAG

2. In this module, challenge yourself to attain the
following learning outcomes:
• explain the four criteria of creativity by
Torrance.
• practice creative thinking.
• apply problem-solving skills.

3. • Known around the world as the "Father of
Creativity” for his nearly years of research that
became the framework for the field of gifted
education.
• He was professor emeritus of educational
psychology.
• He invented the benchmark method for
quantifying creativity and arguably created the
platform for all research on the subject.
EDWARD PAUL TORRANCE

4. Problem solving and creativity go hand in
hand. You need to be creative in order to
solve a problem. It is unfortunate that these
are not adequately taught in the classroom.
INTRODUCTION

6. Torrance Framework for Creative
Thinking
A common framework for creative
thinking processes is described by
Torrance (1 979). Each aspect is defined
below, along with ways to facilitate the
respective aspect by using key words and
application activities.

7. Fluency
Fluency refers to the production of a great number of ideas or alternate solutions to a problem.
Fluency implies understanding, not just remembering formation that is learned.
Key words
Compare, convert, count, define, describe, explain, identify, label, list, match, name, outline,
paraphrase, predict, summarize
Application activities
Trace a picture and label the parts.
Outline an article you find on your topic.
How many uses can you think of for a clothes hanger?
List 1 5 things that are commonly red or contain red.
Example: Apple, blood, brick, caboose, cherry, Christmas stocking, exit sign, fire alarm, flag, heart, red
nose reindeer, rose, tomato, wagon.

8. Flexibility
Flexibility refers to the production of ideas that show a variety of possibilities or realms of
thought. It involves the ability to see things from different points of view, to use many
different approaches or strategies.
Key words
Change, demonstrate, distinguish, employ, extrapolate, interpolate, interpret, predict.
Application ideas
What would happen if . . . there were no automobiles?
How would a . . . dog look to a flea?
How is ________ like ________?
How would you feel if . . . you were invisible for a day?
How would you group the ideas about “red” into categories?
Example: Fruit, safety features, vehicles.

9. Elaboration
Elaboration is the process of enhancing ideas by providing more details
Additional detail and clarity improves interest in, and understanding of, the topic.
Key words
Appraise, critique, determine, evaluate, grade, judge, measure, select, test,
Application ideas
Tell your neighbor about your last family trip using as many details as possible.
What can you add to to improve its quality or performance?
Describe all the possible characteristics of the red quality in a wagon.
Example: Shade, finish, texture, uniformity

10. Originality
Originality involves the production of ideas that are unique or unusual. It involves
synthesis or putting information about a topic back together in a new way.
Key words
Compose, create, design, generate, integrate, modify, rearrange, reconstruct,
reorganize, revise.
Application ideas
Find an original use for
What would be the strangest way to get out of bed?
Design a new that is better than the one you have.
Write an unusual title for the ideas about red.
Example: Revolutionary "Red" Representation.

11. Creative Problem Solving
Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is an intentional process for solving problems
and discovering opportunities.
• It espouses the use of creativity in coming up with solutions which are not
only novel but practical as well.
• In the 1 950's Alex Osbom described this process in his book, Applied
Imagination.
• Osbom opened the process in the public domain which meant anyone can
use it. Over the years countless people have utilized the CPS in various
fields and endeavours.

12. The following, based on Van Gundy (1988's) description, is a
very brief skeleton of a very rich process, showing it in its
full 6 x 2 stages' form:
Stage 1 : Mess finding: Sensitise yourself (scan, search) for issues (concerns,
challenges, opportunities, etc.) that need to be tackled.
Stage 2: Data finding: Gather information about the problem.
Stage 3: Problem finding: convert a fuzzy statement of the problem into a
broad statement more suitable for idea finding.
Stage 4. Idea Finding: generate as many ideas as possible.
Stage 5: Solution finding: Generate and select obvious evaluation criteria
(using an expansion/contraction cycle) and develop (which may include
combining) the short-listed ideas from Idea Finding as much as you can in the
light of these criteria. Then opt for the best of these improved ideas (e.g. using
Comparison tables).

13. Stage 6: Acceptance finding: How can the suggestion you
have just started elected be made up to standard and put
into practice? Shun negativity and continue to apply
deferred judgment problems are exposed to be solved, not
to dishearten progress. Action plans are better developed
in small groups of 2, 3 rather than in a large group (unless
you particularly want commitment by the whole group).
Particularly for "people problems it is often worth
developing several alternative action plans. Possible
techniques include Five W's and H.

14. Other Model for Problem Solving
Bransford's IDEAL Model
1 . Identify the problem
2. Define the problem through thinking about it and sorting out the relevant information
3. Explore solutions through looking at alternatives, brainstorming, and checking out
different points of view.
4. Act on the strategies.
5. Look back and evaluate the effects of your activity.