Assignment:
Please answer both questions in at least 250 words for each question.
A. In describing Torrance's model of the creative process, Starko (2001) noted that unlike the previous models, Torrance's model emphasizes actually doing something with the idea. She posed the question, and I will pose it to you, too: Is an idea less creative if it is never used or shared? Describe your thoughts in this week's posting.
B. We focus so much on problem SOLVING but less on problem FINDING. Torrance argued that problem finding is one of the most important elements of creative thinking. Problem finding means noticing opportunities (think entrepreneurs) as well as getting to the root of an issue or problem (spending time figuring out why you have a headache each day or why a child isn't completing work on time) before jumping to finding a solution (take Advil, punish the child by taking away recess). If you don't get to the root of a problem, you might be just tending to a symptom and never actually solve the problem. For example, all the Advil in the world isn't going to fix a sinus infection., and taking away recess repeatedly isn't going to fix an attention problem preventing a student from completing work on time. What ideas do you have for teaching people to be better problem finders, not just problem solvers?