Creative Problem Solving Synectics in Education? Lori Tanner & Cindy Jennings

If knowledge can create problems, it is not through ignorance that we can solve them. Isaac Asimov

Ultimate solutions to problems are rational, the process of finding them is not William Gordon

Strange words simply puzzle us; ordinary words convey only what we know already. It is from metaphor that we can best get hold of something fresh. Aristotle

Synectics-Ahh What? syn-ectics \ si-'nek-tiks \ noun: Greek roots : diverse elements together A theory or system of problem-stating and problem-solution based on creative thinking that involves free use of metaphor and analogy in informal interchange within a carefully selected group of individuals of diverse personality and areas of specialization.

History of Synectics Break off from Arthur D Little (high tech consulting firm) & MIT Inventors on Demand –William Gordon –George Prince R&D Problem solving

Gordon’s Assumptions Creativity is important in everyday activities Process of creating is not mysterious Creative invention is the same in all fields Creative thinking and invention are similar

The emotional component of creativity is often more important than the intellectual; the irrational more important than the rational

Blocks to Creativity One right answer Not logical Rules Practical Concise A whack on the side of the head!

Creative Problem Solving Climate that invites speculative thinking safe from criticism or punishment Methodology that stimulates ideas Task  Idea  Development Creative thinking

Synectics Principles Make the strange familiar Make the familiar strange

Synectics Technology of Brainstorming Metaphors Analogies Compressed conflicts Thinking-Outside-The box

Facilitator/Group Dynamics Facilitator distance from topic/problem Hierarchy power issues Heterogeneous group Environment comfortable Irrational, impossible, ridiculous, outrageous, illegal, immoral, insane ALL valued in the process

Basic Steps 1.Describe topic/problem 2.Create direct analogies 3.Describe personal analogies 4.Identify compressed conflicts 5.Create new direct analogy 6.Reexamine original topic/problem

Stretching Exercises How is a car like the earth? How is a computer keyboard like Jello? If the ocean were a sea of professors, what would the foam be?

More Mind Exercise What does it feel like to be a 1971 Britannica Encyclopedia S ?

Come on…Get out of the box! Know anyone who is an “exquisite irritant?” How is an embargo like “vulnerable protection?”

Challenges Process is demanding Multiple steps Complicated Cumbersome Facilitator may not know the problem before the brainstorming sessions Facilitator will not know the resulting solution(s) or creative ideas

Benefits New inventions Problem is solved Group commitment to idea Unique perspectives surface Creative thinking encouraged