Creative Thinking

Lecture # 2

Aisha Malik

What is Thinking ???

Thinking is a process and thought is the product output

Therefore, thinking is : Exploring alternative ideas, generating possibilities, and different options

Types of Thinking :
Creative Thinking Realistic Thinking Deductive Thinking Inductive Thinking Evaluative Thinking Lateral Thinking Analytical Thinking Strategic Thinking Critical Thinking

VARIOUS TYPES OF THINKING SKILLS we will study:

Creative

Critical

Lateral

Analytical

Strategic

Inductive

Deductive

Creative Thinking
A way of thinking that generates something new or different. It involves having a different idea that works as well or better than previous ideas It is generative and divergent in nature Divergent means thinking that starts from a common point and moves outward into a variety of perspectives

Divergent Thinking
Is a problem that could have a variety of ways of addressing the problem as well as a number of solutions, usually applied to the area of creative arts. Hudson 1967
Is the ability to find many possible answers to a particular problem. Guilford (1950)

Critical Thinking
A way of thinking that assesses the worth and validity of something in existent It involves precise, persistent and objective analysis It is focus and convergent in nature Convergent thinking process information around a common point an attempt to bring thoughts from different directions into a union or common conclusion

Is the ability to find the best single answer to a problem.

Guilford (1950)

Analytical Thinking
The abstract separation of a whole into its constituent parts in order to study the parts and their relations Separating and distinguishing elements of a concept, idea, problem and issue in order to understand its essential nature and inner relationships

Inductive Thinking
This is the process of reasoning from parts to the whole, from examples to generalizations Analyzing specific observations to reach general conclusions Works from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories Is more open-ended and exploratory, especially at the beginning

Deductive Thinking
This type of reasoning moves from the whole to its parts, from generalizations to underlying concepts to examples Works from the more general to the more specific From the general theory to predict specific instances

Strategic Thinking
Thinking skill in seeing issues, problems and opportunities in a larger and broader perspective and being able to understand the inter-relation of all the elements involved so that the best course of action could be formulated to achieve the desired goals

Lateral Thinking
The concept was introduce by Edward de Bono in 1967 which means a way of thinking that involve multiple parallel approach An example of multiple parallel approach in thinking is Edward de Bonos Six Thinking Hats

Combining the Thoughts

Einstein believed that by combining cold order thinking (convergent) with hot chaotic thinking (divergent) that the result would lie in a certain emotion for learning.

So, What is the plan?

The Goal is for students to learn how to generate questions in a variety of ways. Also, teach students to use higher order thinking skills and to work collaboratively within groups.

Why is it important to develop higher order thinking skills?

In our increasingly complex society, it is becoming even more imperative that individuals are capable of thinking divergently and creatively. It is also important that individuals see the relationships between seemingly diverse concepts.

According to research thinking involves higher levels of questioning skills such as: