Module overview
The module been designed for the purpose of promoting and developing creative thinking and problem solving (CTPS) skills and addresses the need for individuals and teams who can ‘think outside the box’, and apply fresh thinking to practical, ‘real world’ problems. The module programme begins by examining the nature of creativity and the characteristics of creative people. It then proceeds to look at what blocks us creatively, and strategies for preventing or breaking through such blocks. The concept of ‘lateral thinking’ will be introduced together with processes for applying lateral thinking to problems that require creative solutions. You will be introduced to a variety of creative problem-solving techniques and approaches to use as ‘tools’ for re-interpreting problems, finding solutions and generating ideas. Practical demonstrations, exercises and task simulations will enable you to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of these creative tools and the capacity to re-apply them or facilitate their use to generate concepts and ideas.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate the ability to contextualise and critically reflect on CTPS approaches and techniques and successfully apply them to a variety of different problems and issues requiring creative thinking.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- a broad yet highly developed understanding of creativity (theory and practice) together with the principles of idea generation.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- manage your time and resources as an independent learner.
- take responsibility for your own learning development and academic integrity;
Syllabus
Indicative content for this module includes:
- The principles of creative thinking
- How to overcome creative blocks and ‘mind-sets’
- Lateral Thinking
- Idea incubation and idea generation
- Challenging assumptions
- Interrogating problems
- Kickstarting ideas
- Techniques and approaches of having ideas
- Reflective thinking.
- Managing and motivating creative people
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Formal Lectures
- Tutor-led seminars
- Tutorials
- Directed learning
Learning activities include:
- Peer group learning
- idea critiques
- Class discussion
- Independent study (Reading material as directed by tutor, analysing material delivered during taught sessions, writing up notes, reflecting on taught material and feedback, conducting research where appropriate, analysing results and writing up assignment).
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 26 |
| Independent Study | 174 |
| Total study time | 200 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Van Gundy Jr., A. (1988). Techniques of Structured Problem Solving. Springer.
Proctor, T. (2013). Creative Problem Solving for Managers: Developing Skills for Decision Making and Innovation. New York: Routledge.
Mahon, N. (2011). Basics Advertising 03: Ideation. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Assessment
Formative
Formative assessment description
Reflective Paper In-class activitiesSummative
Summative assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Ideas Log | 100% |
Referral
Referral assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Reflective Paper | 100% |
Repeat
Repeat assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Reflective Paper | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External