Creative Minds: Taking decisions

The objective of this module is to stimulate creativity in kindergarten and primary schools. The ideas presented here may be used in any subject area. Using thinking methods developed by Edward de Bono, the pupils approach topics using simple problem-solving techniques.

Pedagogical Objectives

As humans, we are often quick to judge; we decide very fast whether we like something or not. We don’t necessary take into account that there are other perspectives in-between, especially when we feel very sure about a “Yes“ or a “No“. In this module, pupils and teachers aim to open their minds and to take a more profound decision on something that they might otherwise decide upon quickly.

The pupils learn to reason and work out solutions. They learn that there can be many solutions to a problem.

Process

Using the method developed by Edward de Bono, called PMI (Plus, Minus and Interesting) (http://www.mycoted.com/PMI) you can begin to open your mind in a simple way and help your pupils gain a larger perspective. It is simple to perform; yet it is a challenge to direct our awareness to other directions and possibilities, especially in cases where we are prone to think “Yes” or “No” right away. It also helps to overcome stereotypes and leave emotions aside when deciding. Emotions come only into consideration at the end of the evaluation.

Step 1

• Together with your project partners, choose a question or issue to be discussed with the pupils.

• Present the question or issue to the pupils.

• In groups of 4-6 pupils, ask the pupils to collect “Plus“, “Minus“ and “Interesting” (what is strange, different, etc.) for approx. 2-3 minutes. They may either write or paint or use symbols (either on paper or using online drawing tools).

Step 2

• Look at the pure amount of arguments for each list (P, M, I).

• Let the pupils decide which points are most important to them out of each list (P, M, I) by raising their hands (or filling in an online voting poll) or by painting a star behind the respective argument. They should be careful to choose only one argument from each list.

• Allow the pupils to also choose emotions connected to these arguments and decisions.

• Upload the results in the TwinSpace for your partners to see.

Step 3

Once all partners’ outcomes are uploaded in the TwinSpace, spend some time to discuss your partners’ reactions in relation to your own. You can expand this activity by getting each class to react to each other’s work in a number of ways, e.g., a forum, chat or video-conferencing session.

Outcomes

A visible set of methods to help you and your class collect ideas, solve problems or take decisions. You may also vary all methods or combine them, depending on your needs.

Let the pupils evaluate whether they have enjoyed working like this and whether they preferred to stick to their initial ‘gut feeling’ ideas, solutions and decisions. For this step, you may use a simple questionnaire or let them draw a symbol expressing their opinion. You may also use the PMI method for this step.

Tips

Creative techniques themselves do not make us more creative, yet they may help us in stimulating our creativity. The foundation for letting creativity take place is, however, facilitated by learning conditions such as freedom, responsibility, openness, fun, etc.

• When you are working with your pupils, using creative methods, ask a colleague to observe or film you.

• Be sure to mix classes when doing this in order to strengthen the idea of collecting ideas, solving problems or taking decisions as a group.

• Exchange feedback: What did your colleague observe? Which impression did he/she have? Are these methods helpful to produce more creative ideas, solutions and decisions? Did the pupils enjoy it, where they more motivated?

Creativity is directly related to motivation and we are most creative when we get into a deeper flow of thinking (see links to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a famous researcher on the flow phenomenon).

• Discuss how you could spread this way of creative learning more throughout your school.

• Present this way of working during an open school day. Perhaps you can also find ways to involve parents in one or a number of the tasks.

Why not add your outcomes to the EuroCreator website?

If you have created a video during the module, you can also upload it on the EuroCreator website (http://www.eurocreator.com/). In this way, other schools can see the work that your project has done and you can receive a signed certificate from European Commissioner, Ján Figel’.

Links

De Bono on the ‘PMI’ method: http://www.mycoted.com/PMI

Tony Buzan on ‘Mind mapping’:

www.videojug.com/film/how-to-mind-map-with-tony-buzan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXIeFJCqsPs&feature=related

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi on ‘Creativity, fulfilment and flow’: http://english.kommweit.de/pages/workshop-exploring-creativity/

http://www.brainchannels.com/thinker/mihaly.html

More fun and creative ideas: http://www.deepfun.com/