Strategies for Developing Creativity & Critical Thinking

Strategies Job Aid for Each

Creativity Thinking1

Eliminate the big projects and move

toward several small projects to allow for

multiple ideasCreate a positive

atmosphere of “if at first you don’t

succeed, try, try again.”

Encourage diversity

Critical Thinking2, 3

Begin with low level questions to build

confidence

Have students reflect on the question in a

group to prevent going with first

thought

Prompt questions to allow the “why” of

their answersAllow time for reflection and rework

Assist students in finding their internal

motivation

Ask questions the students do not know

the answer but is interesting to them

Ask questions the students do not know

the answer but is interesting to them

1. Fletcher, T. S. (2011, Spring). Creative thinking schools: Finding the "just right" challenge for schools. gifted child today, 34(2), 37-42.2. CriticalThinking.Net. (2011). Retrieved from http://criticalthinking.net/howteach.html3. Borgia, l., & Owles, C. (2011, Spring). Terrific Teaching Tips. Illinois Reading Council Journal, 39(2), 47-50.