Creative and Critical Thinking
Tools and Techniques
In SPARK this year we will be exploring a number of Critical and Creative Thinking Tools to help us generate and evaluate new ideas. After all, one good idea can change the world. Will it be yours?
The first tool you may like to explore was created by world famous physician, psychologist, author and inventor Edward de Bono. Like us, Doctor de Bono loved creating and investigating new ideas. One tool he used and recommended for determining the merits of an idea is called the PMI model.
To use the PMI model in your own thinking, follow these steps:
1. Create a table with 3 columns.
2. List the Plus points (the positives) of the idea in one column.
3. List the Minus points (the challenges or negative aspects) of the idea in another column.
4. List the Interesting points or other implications in a third column.
5. Review the key points to determine the strength of the idea or to make a decision on whether to implement it.
To use the PMI model in your own thinking, follow these steps:
1. Create a table with 3 columns.
2. List the Plus points (the positives) of the idea in one column.
3. List the Minus points (the challenges or negative aspects) of the idea in another column.
4. List the Interesting points or other implications in a third column.
5. Review the key points to determine the strength of the idea or to make a decision on whether to implement it.
The PMI is a great place to start, but where to next? Well, it depends on the type of thinking you need to do. It's important to pick the right tool for the job. That's where your teacher can help. Harvard University have created a useful toolbox of 'Visible Thinking Routines' for critical and creative thinking that we'll be introducing through this year's SPARK program. Your teacher may include some of the ideas in your class program too.
Can't wait? Interested in learning more about Visible Thinking? Click here.
Can't wait? Interested in learning more about Visible Thinking? Click here.
If your parents are interested in finding out more about the Harvard Visible Thinking Routines too, the pic above links to a short video presentation.
Embrace your Curiousity
The key to critical and creative thinking is to embrace your natural sense of curiosity. Here is some inspiration to get your curiosity cranking ...
The Earth at Night
What thoughts does this image inspire? What questions do you have? What more could we explore?
What thoughts does this image inspire? What questions do you have? What more could we explore?
Ever wondered whether it's possible to live forever? Click the pic above to learn more about a curious creature that comes as close as any.
If you could be immortal, would you want to be? Try making a list of at least five pros and cons of being immortal. Given the list of pros and cons that you come up with, how do you think most people would feel about immortality? What problems might immortality cause for Earth and the environment?
If you could be immortal, would you want to be? Try making a list of at least five pros and cons of being immortal. Given the list of pros and cons that you come up with, how do you think most people would feel about immortality? What problems might immortality cause for Earth and the environment?
Some people don't believe something until they see it for themselves ... maybe they shouldn't believe it even then. Check out this cool Science.
Starting to create a few questions of your own? Why not speak to your teacher about creating a class WONDER WALL? It's a space to celebrate your natural sense of curiosity; a place to share questions and help each other find answers. To get you started, here are a few questions posed by students just like you. Have a question you'd like to add, or an answer you'd like to share? Let us know on the 'Share' page. We'll explore your favourites together in SPARK this year.
Do dogs get dizzy?
How did the days of the week get their name?
Is there a winning strategy for noughts and crosses?
If the prefix 'sept' means seven and the prefix 'oct' means eight, why are September and October the 9th and 10th months?
What is a leap year and why do we have them?
Are there more blades of grass on our school field or people in our country?
If everyone in our class stood on each other's shoulders how high could we reach?
How did the days of the week get their name?
Is there a winning strategy for noughts and crosses?
If the prefix 'sept' means seven and the prefix 'oct' means eight, why are September and October the 9th and 10th months?
What is a leap year and why do we have them?
Are there more blades of grass on our school field or people in our country?
If everyone in our class stood on each other's shoulders how high could we reach?
More to explore ...
Want to explore more? Click on the pic below to visit Wonderopolis. a place where students from all around the world have shared what makes them curious?
Don't forget ...
