Definition of Divergent Thinking

Why is Divergent Thinking important?

Developing Creative Thinking

Developing creativity by nurturing D.T

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Definition of

1Divergent thinking

Divergent thinking represents the potential for

creative thinking and problem solving. It is not syn-

onymous with actual creative behavior but has proven

to be a good estimate of it. It is also useful as a con-

struct or empirical research on creativity and in vari-

ous applied settings.

- Encyclopedia of Creativity -

2Why is Divergent ThinkingImportant?

SolvesOpen-endedproblems

PromotesFlexibility &Originality

OvercomesMental fixation

FostersCritical think-ing

3Developing Creative Thinking

Brainstorming

Six Thinking Hats SCAMPER

Brainstorming is a group creativity technique by which a group

tries to find a solution for a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas

spontaneously generated by its members.

Brainstorming was developed and coined by Alex Faickney Osborn in

1953 in the book Applied Imagination.

Postpone and withhold your judgment of ideas.

Encourage wild and exaggerated ideas.

Quantity counts at this stage, not quality.

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23 Build on the ideas put forward by others. 4 Every person and every idea has equal worth. 5

Infinite Innovations Ltd.

Rules of Brainstorming

SCAMPER :

a technique people can use to spark their creativity and help them overcome any challenge they may be facing.

Sub-stitute

Com-bine

Adapt

Put to other use

Mod-ify/Minify

Elim-inate

Rear-range/Re-verse

SCAM-PER

Six Thinking Hats :

is a simple, effective parallel thinking process that helps people be more productive, focused, and mindfully involved. And once learned, the tools can be applied immediately!

Videos featuring Six Hats Presentationhttp://www.debonogroup.com/video_4.php

Videos featuring Edward de Bono Creative Thinkinghttp://www.debonogroup.com/video_2.php

6 thinking hats- Edward De Bono

Information Thinking about thinking Feelings

Benefits Judgement

Creativity

4Developing Creativity by Nurturing D.T

Question:

Do you think “math” class al-ways involves convergent think-ing?

Math

No! Math can also apply other do-mains.

Science

Social science

How can we apply Divergent Thinking if the math unit is “Data analysis and Probability” ?

After learning basic concepts of this unit, “Do the activities which can foster students’ cre-ativity through divergent thinking.”

Suggested Activity 1 : Let students search any data and graph used in our soci-ety.Students can find them in newspapers, magazines, and in-ternet news.Through this activity, students will learn how math subject applies to other fields.

“Apply the knowledge in science!”

Suggested Activity 2 : Let students have a scientific experiment, for example, physical and chemical changes in a science lab. Then stu-dents will make a data table and a graph based on the result.Through this activity, students can learn how they can record the data and make graphs.

“My Data Project”

Suggested Activity 3

: Let students design their own data project. Through this activity, students will learn how they can collect data and make different kinds of graphs.This activity, in particular, fosters students’ creativity.

•Bell, B. (2007). Finding Meaning (3rd ed.). Portland, Oregon: Blue Fox Commu-

nications.

•Holliday, K. (1998). Modeling divergent thinking through picture books. Roeper

Review .

•John, B. (1993). Creativity and Divergent Thinking: A Task-Specific

Approach. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

•Meyerhoff, M. (2008). Convergent versus divergent thinking. (Perspectives on

Parenting)(Report). Pediatrics for Parents.

•Runco, M. A. (1993). Divergent Thinking, Creativity, and Giftedness. Gifted Child

Quarterly.

•Runco, M. A. (2001). Flexibility and originality in children’s divergent thinking. The

Journal of Psychology.

•Starko, A. (2005). Creativity in the classroom- Schools of Curious Delight-.

Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.