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AN INTRODUCTION TO
CREATIVE PROBLEM
SOLVING
Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is a framework to apply creative-thinking processes to solve problems. Embedded in the model are tools and strategies that, when placed in the hands of students, allow them to be engaged in a process for thinking both creatively and critically.
The Creative Problem Solving method is not just for school use. It should develop habits of mind in students that benefit them for a lifetime.
WHAT IS
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING?
There are several (similar) models of creative
problem solving that have been heavily
researched and used in both business and
education settings.
The model discussed here was developed by
Alex Osborn and Sidney Parnes.
WHO DEVELOPED
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING?
1. Object ive (Mess) F inding:
Select a problem.
2. Fact F inding:
List what you know.
3. Problem Finding:
What is the real problem?
4. Idea Finding:
Brainstorm ideas.
5. Solut ion Finding:
How wil l you evaluate your ideas?
Which is best?
6. Acceptance Finding:
Find ways to put ideas into action.
*While these steps are presented
sequential ly, i t is common to move
back and for th between steps as
indicated in the diagram.
THE 6 STEPS OF
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
The first step in taking action is
to identify a situation which
presents a challenge… an
opportunity… or is a concern
that you want to do something
about or is an objective you
desire to attain.
STEP 1:
OBJECTIVE (MESS) FINDING
STEP 2:
FACT FINDING
List al l the key facts associated with your
situation or your desired objective as you
perceive them. Ask yourself :
Who is involved?
What is involved?
What are some examples of the problem?
What causes the problem?
When wil l i t happen?
Where does it or wil l i t happen?
How does it or wil l i t happen?
Why does it happen?
Are there any more problems caused by the
situation?
Then ask questions per taining to what
addit ional facts you would l ike to know and
where you might search for them.
STEP 3:
PROBLEM FINDING
Considering the data you have
gathered about your situation
during Fact Finding, determine
what you want to accomplish in
more specific terms. Ask
yourself the following questions:
What is the real problem?
What is my objective?
What do I want to accomplish?
What are my concerns?
What is my challenge?
STEP 4:
IDEA FINDING
Try to answer your problem
statement with many ideas in as
many different ways as possible.
DIVERGENT THINKING, combined
with deferred judgment, is
critical in this step. Your goal is
to generate lots of ideas. It is
often helpful to set a number
goal before you start listing
ideas. Try for 50-75 ideas before
you discuss each and become
selective.
STEP 5:
SOLUTION FINDING
You must now decide what
criteria, standards, or "yardsticks"
should be applied to weigh the worth
of your selected ideas. These criteria
will be used to determine the best
solution(s) to your problem.
Your ideas affect cost, time,
reliability, quality, morale,
customers, legality, safety, company
practices and approvals, feasibility,
timeliness, and ease of
implementation. Any or all of these,
as well as others, can be
considerations for criteria.
STEP 6:
ACCEPTANCE FINDING
You are now ready to develop
your plan of action. To ensure
successful implementation of your
best idea(s), it is necessary to
gain maximum acceptance.
Remember, an idea has little
value until it is put to use.
Consider the following--How
should you alter or modify your
idea so it will be as acceptable as
possible to those it will affect and
to those who will pass judgment
on it?
DIVERGENT AND CONVERGENT
THINKING
Each of the 6 steps of Creative Problem Solving involve
divergent and convergent thinking:
Problem solvers are encouraged to think divergently
at the start of each step to develop as many ideas as
possible.
Following divergent thinking, convergent thinking is
encouraged to select the best ideas.
SAMPLE
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING TASKS
Consider how the tasks on the following slides
could be used in a classroom to teach the
thinking skills associated with Creative Problem
Solving while also allowing students to explore
and master content standards.
SAMPLE
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING TASK
You have just moved into a new house, and
you love it! Unfortunately, the house gets
extremely hot in the summer, and your air
conditioning is causing the electrical bill to
go through the roof! What should you do?
Mess Finding
Fact FindingProblem Finding
Idea FindingSolution Finding
Acceptance Finding
SAMPLE
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING TASK
You have a big assignment due today, but
right before you leave for school you see
that your little sister dropped it in the fish
tank, and it’s soaked! You used the last of
the printer ink last night and you only have
5 minutes before you have to leave for
school! What should you do?
Mess Finding
Fact FindingProblem Finding
Idea FindingSolution Finding
Acceptance Finding
SAMPLE
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING TASK
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union
attempted to take control of Berlin by
creating a blockade that prevented needed
supplies from getting to people living in
parts of Berlin controlled by the United
States, France, and England. What should
the United States do?
Mess Finding
Fact Finding
Problem Finding
Idea Finding
Solution Finding
Acceptance Finding
TOOLKIT FOR USING CREATIVE
PROBLEM SOLVING IN A CLASSROOM
http://www.roe11.k12.il.us/GES%20Stuff/Day
%204/Process/Creative%20Problem%20Solvin
g/CPS-Mitchell%20&%20Kowalik.pdf
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