What is Creative Thinking?

 The ability to imagine or invent something new

 The ability to generate new ideas by combining,
changing, or reapplying existing ideas
 The attitude to accept change and new ideas, a
willingness to play with ideas and possibilities, a
flexibility of outlook.
The Critical Thinking Process

 State the problem in a clear way

 Identify the alternative views
 Watch for fallacies in reasoning
 Find at least 3 different answers
 Construct your own reasonable view.
 Left Brain versus Right Brain
Left: Right:
language 1ntuition
math artistic
writing musical
science insightful
facts imagination
logic 3D images
convergence divergence

Critical Creative
Thinking Thinking
The Three S’s of Creativity

Sensitivity
Synergy
Serendipity
 Uses the senses to discover the world
 Asks, “Why does this happen?”
 “How can I do this?”
 Problem finders as well as problem solvers
 Two or more elements are associated in a new way
and the result is greater than the sum of the parts
 Example: “Two heads are better than one.”
 Unexpected discoveries
 Lucky accidents
 Some examples . . . .
Elements of Creativity
 Use the pressure of a time limit.
 Use a goal or quota.
 Be relaxed.
 Suspend judgment.
 Focus your attention.
 Have fun with it.
 Use a different perspective.
 Universal Standards to Assure
Quality Thinking

 Clarity  Depth
 Accuracy  Breadth
 Precision  Logic
 Relevance  Fairness
 Thinking Processes
Critical Thinking Elements Creative Thinking Elements

Purpose,
Intuition Dimensional Observing,
Point of View
Question Thinking Imaging

Pattern Abstracting,
Assumptions Information
Recognition Analogizing
Context Emotion
Alternatives

Concepts,
Implications, Play, Model,
Consequences
Models, Empathizing
Theory Transform

Inference, Synthesizing Body

Finding Thinking

Approaches to
Convergence Thinking Divergence
 Critical Thinking
Framework of
Left Brain
Elder, Paul &
Purpose, Nosich
Point of View
Question

Assumptions Context Information

Alternatives

Concepts,
Implications,
Models,
Consequences
Theory

Inference,
Findings
Creative Thinking
Tools by Root-
Right Brain
Bernstein & Root- Dimensional Observing,
Bernstein (1999) Thinking Imaging

Pattern Abstracting,
Recognition Analogizing

Play, Model,
Empathizing
Transform

Synthesizing Body
Thinking

Test Results Using

Critical Thinking
Tips for Critical Thinking
 Beware of your mind-set
 Be willing to say, “I don’t know.”
 Practice tolerance
 Understand different points of view
 Understand before criticizing
 Emotions get in the way of clear thinking
 Examine the source
Techniques to solve problems
creatively:

• Associative techniques
• Analytic techniques
• Brainstorming
• Roleplaying
How to Improve Creativity?
How to Improve Creativity? (cont.)
 Learn more about critical and creative thinking elements
and processes—become meta-cognitive
 Expand your knowledge base beyond your discipline, e.g.,
obtain a liberal arts degree, take courses in disciplines
outside your specialty, start a hobby outside your specialty
 Practice, practice, practice

Einstein was not

just a Physicist,
but also an
accomplished
Musician &
Sailor
How to Improve Creativity? (cont.)

A Number of Books on Creative Thinking are Available

Have a laugh at life and look
around for happiness instead
of sadness.
So, smile and be happy. Use your
creativity to make some positive
changes in your life.