101 Activities for Teaching Creativity and Problem Solving by Arthur B.VanGundy pdf

Why is this topic important?

We live in a world of turbulent change. New data. New people. New technology. New problems. We are bombarded every day with something new. Realities shift faster than we can deal with them. In this turbulent world, traditional problem-solving methods no longer are effective in all situations. Routine, analytical approaches-the ideal of the Industrial Age-rarely work now. Instead, we must look for new ways to deal with change-creative solutions we can customize to fit any situation. Above all, we need new solution options, rather than relying on “the tried-and-true.” The more solution options we have, the greater the odds that one will achieve our goals. Conventional brainstorming is not sufficient. Groups need exposure to diverse idea generation approaches and training in how to apply them.

What can you achieve with this book?

More organizations than ever now offer training in how to use idea generation methods. This should be a priority, since it obviously is more beneficial over time to train employees how to apply skills themselves, rather than a single spoon-feeding of the steps needed to implement one or more idea generation activities. It is better if employees also can learn how to use some of these methods and incorporate them into their problem-solving activities. Every training session that can teach employees how to apply even rudimentary skills obviously can be valuable in the long run.

Thus, a unique aspect of this book is its duality in providing step-by-step guides to 101 idea generation methods while simultaneously providing participants with training in how to use them. As is fairly well known, practicing a new skill within a relevant domain can enhance significantly participant learning and applied behaviors. That is, the training is more likely to “take” if it uses challenges faced by the participants. As a result, many training sessions also can serve as idea generation events that deal with specific organizational challenges-the perfect “value-added” component!

Language: English
Format: PDF
Pages: 410