The thinking tasks in this book were prepared with a particular purpose in mind. By presenting whimsical problem situations, the authors hope that those engaged in the tasks will be motivated to produce creative ideas that lead to the solution of problems.
Creative Problem Solving is a process that allows people to apply both creative and critical thinking to find solutions to everyday problems. It is a way to enhance creative behavior and also a systemic way to organize information and ideas in order to solve problems. The overall goal of CPS training is to improve creative behavior and problem-solving behavior.
This book offers an overview of the Creative Problem Solving process and exercises to put the process to work. The book begins with a crash course in CPS, so even students who have not been formally introduced to the process will be up and running in no time. After the sample problem, your students will be ready to tackle problems such as what to do when a priceless diamond ring is dropped down the drain or how to save a rare "wumba" from sinking in quicksand.
The illustrated, reproducible pages guide students through each step of the problem-solving process, from brainstorming solutions, to evaluating ideas, to coming up with the best action plan. The students will use evaluation grids to track their ideas, solutions, and plans. Best of all, they will learn this powerful problem-solving method by working through the method itself, working together in groups, and increasing individual strengths. The creative and exciting problems can also be given as individual writing assignments.
Grades 4-9
Bob Stanish has had 25 teaching resource books and numerous articles on the creative processes and problem solving published. A highly imaginative writer and innovative thinker, he is nationally recognized for his efforts to promote classroom creative thinking in usable and learnable ways. A teacher with experiences at the elementary, secondary, and university levels and a former school administrator in various capacities, his books have assisted teachers and schools in initiating educational programs to nurture, accommodate, apply, and expand students' creative and critical thinking abilities. During the past 14 years he has served as a senior adjunct professor of psychology at McKendree University in Lebanon, IL.
Bob Eberle is the author of Scamper: Creative Games and Activities for Imagination Development, Scamper On: More Creative Games and Activities for Imagination Development, and coauthor of CPS for Kids: A Resource Book for Teaching Creative Problem Solving to Children.
