Classroom Strategies for Developing Creativity and

Critical Thinking

James C. Whitaker

May 6, 2013

MED/560

Instructor: Scott Brewer

CREATIVE THINKING VS CRITICAL THINKING

-- WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? --

Critical Thinking

• Analytical in nature

• Focused on eliminating

possibilities

• Converges on a single, and most

correct answer

• Principally objective in thought

Creative Thinking

• Generates greater possibilities

• Diverges from single answer

solutions

• Considers the “art of the

possible”

• Suspends judgment on the

correctness of possible answers

BOTH CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING ARE

ESSENTIAL TO GOOD ANALYTIC RESULTS

Analysis of a Problem

(Critical Thinking)

Generate Possible Solutions

(Creative Thinking)

Choose Best Solution

(Critical Thinking)

Evaluate Solution Practicality

(Critical/Creative Thinking)

Critical Thinking

• Identify and challenge

assumptions

• Encourage reflection and

avoidance of snap decisions

• Utilize “5 questions” in probing

student reasoning

• Require students to justify (defend)

their answers

• Teach analytical skills for

eliminating alternatives

Creativity

• Challenge students to use their

imagination

• Require students to develop

multiple solution sets

• Incorporate originality in lesson

plans with games and unique

activities

• Encourage brainstorming activities

• Reinforce out-of-the-box thinking

CLASSROOM STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING

CREATIVITY AND CRITICAL THINKING

References

Fisher, R. (2006). Expanding Minds: Developing Creativity in Young Learners. CATS: The IATEFL

Young Learners SIG journal. Pp5-9. Retrieved from:

http://www.teachingthinking.net/thinking/web%20resources/robert_fisher_expandingminds.htm

Ennis, R.H. (2011). Twenty One Strategies and Tactics for Teaching Critical Thinking.

CRITICALTHINKING.NET. Retrieved from:

http://www.criticalthinking.net/howteach.html