Transformed Thinking

Course Overview
This course is designed to foster creative thinking, encourage innovative problem-solving, and develop the ability to transform conventional ideas into new, actionable solutions. By combining theory with practice, students will engage in dynamic activities that challenge their mental frameworks, develop their cognitive flexibility, and unlock their creative potential. The course is structured in modules with key concepts, activities, and assessments for each section.

Module 1: Introduction to Creative Thinking

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of creative thinking.
• Recognize the difference between traditional and creative thinking.
• Develop an appreciation for the transformative power of creativity in problem-solving.

Topics:

1. Defining Creativity and Creative Thinking
2. Traditional vs. Creative Thinking Models
3. The Role of Imagination in Problem Solving
4. Mental Blocks and How to Overcome Them
5. The Science of Creativity: Brain Function and Cognitive Flexibility

Activities:

• Creative Thinking Icebreaker: Have students complete a "What If" brainstorming exercise where they imagine solving real-world issues with out-of-the-box solutions.
• Personal Reflection: Reflect on personal experiences of creative thought and how it leds to successful problem-solving or innovation.

Assessment:

• Quiz (Knowledge Check): Key concepts of creative thinking, traditional vs. creative models, and overcoming mental blocks.
• Journal Entry: Reflect on a recent problem you solved creatively. How did creative thinking play a role?

Module 2: Cognitive Flexibility and Unconventional Thinking

Learning Objectives:

• Cultivate cognitive flexibility by practicing alternative thinking techniques.
• Learn how to view problems from multiple perspectives.
• Develop the ability to pivot in the face of failure or unexpected challenges.

Topics:

1. The Concept of Cognitive Flexibility
2. Breaking Mental Barriers
3. Reframing Problems: A Different Lens on Challenges
4. The Power of Failure in Creative Processes
5. Divergent and Convergent Thinking Techniques

Activities:

• Perspective-Taking Exercise: Provide a case study and ask students to generate multiple solutions from different viewpoints (e.g., from the perspective of a consumer, a business owner, and an environmentalist).
• Brainstorming Session: Use divergent thinking techniques like free association and mind mapping to generate creative solutions to a problem.

Assessment:

• Group Activity Report: Write a group report discussing how reframing and cognitive flexibility helped in solving a given problem from multiple perspectives.
• Creative Problem-Solving Simulation: Students will individually tackle a hypothetical problem, documenting their thought process and creative strategies.

Module 3: Creativity and Innovation in Practice

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the relationship between creativity and innovation.
• Apply creative thinking to practical, real-world problems.
• Learn how to move from idea generation to implementation.

Topics:

1. The Difference Between Creativity and Innovation
2. Creative Problem-Solving Frameworks
3. From Idea to Action: Transforming Ideas into Practical Solutions
4. The Role of Collaboration in Innovation
5. Overcoming Barriers to Implementing Creative Ideas

Activities:

• Innovation Challenge: Present a current industry problem. Students will work in teams to generate innovative solutions and present their ideas.
• Case Study Analysis: Study a successful innovation (e.g., Apple, Tesla, Airbnb) and analyze the creative thinking processes behind it.

Assessment:

• Group Presentation: Teams will present their innovative solution to the class, including the problem-solving approach, implementation strategy, and potential outcomes.
• Peer Review: Evaluate peer projects and provide constructive feedback on their innovation process and creativity.

Module 4: Developing a Creative Mindset

Learning Objectives:

• Cultivate habits that promote ongoing creativity.
• Develop a mindset that embraces uncertainty, ambiguity, and risk-taking.
• Learn how to sustain creative energy and overcome creative burnout.

Topics:

1. The Creative Mindset: Key Attitudes and Behaviors
2. Building Habits for Creativity and Innovation
3. Navigating Ambiguity and Risk in the Creative Process
4. Creative Confidence: Building Belief in Your Ideas
5. Sustainability of Creativity: Preventing Burnout

Activities:

• Mindset Shift Exercise: Challenge students to identify limiting beliefs about their creativity and replace them with empowering thoughts and actions.
• Creative Daily Routine: Create a 5-day plan for incorporating creativity-boosting habits into daily life (e.g., morning freewriting, idea generation exercises).

Assessment:

• Self-Assessment Quiz: Identify which creative mindset attributes (e.g., curiosity, persistence, risk-taking) students need to improve.
• Creative Growth Journal: Track creative activities over the course of two weeks, noting insights, progress, and moments of inspiration.

Module 5: Collaboration and Collective Creativity

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how group dynamics affect creative output.
• Master the art of collaboration for enhanced creative performance.
• Understand how to manage diverse viewpoints and conflicting ideas to drive innovation.

Topics:

1. The Dynamics of Creative Teams
2. Collaborative Techniques for Idea Generation
3. Managing Conflicts and Differences in Creative Teams
4. Techniques for Building Team Creativity (e.g., Brainwriting, SCAMPER)
5. Collective Intelligence and Innovation

Activities:

• Group Brainstorming Challenge: Groups work together to generate ideas using the SCAMPER method or other collaborative techniques. Teams will refine ideas and pitch them to the class.
• Team Reflection: After a group activity, each member reflects on how collaboration influenced their thinking.

Assessment:

• Collaborative Project: Work in teams to create an innovative product or service concept. The team will submit a detailed report and presentation, explaining the creative process and group dynamics.
• Peer Feedback: Provide constructive feedback on team members’ contributions to creativity and innovation.

Module 6: From Creative Thinking to Strategic Action

Learning Objectives:

• Translate creative ideas into strategic and actionable plans.
• Understand how to evaluate the feasibility and potential of creative solutions.
• Develop strategies for implementing creative solutions within organizations or projects.

Topics:

1. Evaluating the Feasibility of Creative Ideas
2. Creating Action Plans for Innovation
3. The Role of Leadership in Fostering Creativity and Innovation
4. Scaling Creative Ideas
5. Maintaining Creativity in Long-Term Projects

Activities:

• Action Plan Workshop: Students will take an innovative idea from the previous module and create a strategic action plan, including timelines, resources, and potential obstacles.
• Creative Project Pitch: Students pitch their final project ideas to the class, simulating a real-world business or innovation pitch.

Assessment:

• Final Project Presentation: Present the creative solution developed in previous modules, including the action plan for implementation.
• Peer and Instructor Feedback: Receive detailed feedback on the feasibility, creativity, and strategic approach of your project.

Course Conclusion and Reflection

Learning Objectives:

• Reflect on the development of creative thinking throughout the course.
• Set goals for continued creative growth.
• Understand the impact of transformed thinking on personal and professional life.

Topics:

1. Key Takeaways from the Course
2. Developing a Personal Creativity Development Plan
3. Creating a Legacy of Innovation in Your Field

Activities:

• Final Reflection: Write a 2-3 page reflection on how your approach to creative thinking has evolved during the course. Share your goals for continuing to foster creativity in your personal and professional life.
• Action Plan for the Future: Develop a personal action plan to maintain and grow your creativity in the next year.

Assessment:

• Final Written Reflection and Action Plan: A 2-3 page reflection discussing the evolution of your creative thinking and an action plan for continuous improvement.
• Portfolio Submission: Submit a portfolio that includes all assessments, activities, and personal reflections from the course.

Course Grading Breakdown:

1. Quizzes and Knowledge Checks (20%)
2. Group Activities and Reports (25%)
3. Individual Reflection Journals and Projects (25%)
4. Final Group Presentation (15%)
5. Final Written Reflection and Action Plan (15%)

Course Materials:

• Suggested Texts:
  • "Creative Confidence" by Tom Kelley & David Kelley
  • "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen
  • Articles and case studies provided throughout the course.
• Supplementary Resources:
  • TED Talks on creativity and innovation.
  • Online tools for brainstorming and mind mapping.

This curriculum encourages hands-on learning, critical thinking, and collaboration to build a foundation of creative skills that students can apply immediately in both personal and professional settings.