101 Activities for Teaching Creativity and Problem Solving.pdf

About This Book

Why is this topic important?

We live in a world of turbulent change. New data. New people. New technology. New problems. We are bom-

barded every day with something new. Realities shift faster than we can deal with them. In this turbulent

world, traditional problem-solving methods no longer are effective in all situations. Routine, analytical

approaches—the ideal of the Industrial Age—rarely work now. Instead, we must look for new ways to deal

with change—creative solutions we can customize to ﬁt any situation. Above all, we need new solution

options, rather than relying on “the tried-and-true.” The more solution options we have, the greater the odds

that one will achieve our goals. Conventional brainstorming is not sufﬁcient. Groups need exposure to diverse

idea generation approaches and training in how to apply them.

What can you achieve with this book?

More organizations than ever now offer training in how to use idea generation methods. This should be a pri-

ority, since it obviously is more beneﬁcial over time to train employees how to apply skills themselves, rather

than a single spoon-feeding of the steps needed to implement one or more idea generation activities. It is

better if employees also can learn how to use some of these methods and incorporate them into their prob-

lem-solving activities. Every training session that can teach employees how to apply even rudimentary skills

obviously can be valuable in the long run. Thus, a unique aspect of this book is its duality in providing step-

by-step guides to 101 idea generation methods while simultaneously providing participants with training in

how to use them. As is fairly well known, practicing a new skill within a relevant domain can enhance signiﬁ-

cantly participant learning and applied behaviors. That is, the training is more likely to “take” if it uses chal-

lenges faced by the participants. As a result, many training sessions also can serve as idea generation events

that deal with speciﬁc organizational challenges—the perfect “value-added” component!

How is this book organized?

This book is divided into three parts: (1) Getting Started, (2) Individual and Group Activities, and (3) Group

Only Activities. The ﬁrst section discusses the broad-reaching importance of idea generation, and the organi-

zation of idea generation activities (Chapter 1); major creative thinking principles (Chapter 2); and the gener-

al nature of problems, problem solving, creativity, and a guide for selecting activities appropriate for different

situations (Chapter 3). Part II includes activities originally designed for individuals, but re-engineered for

group use. Finally, Part III presents original group activities based on either brainstorming or “brainwriting”

(silent, written idea generation within a group) procedures. The same format is used for each exercise. Major

headings include: Background, Objectives, Participants, Materials, Supplies, and Equipment, Handouts, Time,

Related Activities, Procedure, Debrief/Discussion, and Variations (if applicable). Because all of the activities are

geared toward group idea generation, the Objectives and Participants sections will contain identical informa-

tion. Many of the activities also will have identical information for Materials, Supplies, and Equipment,

although there are exceptions.

About Pfeiffer

Pfeiffer serves the professional development and hands-on resource needs of

training and human resource practitioners and gives them products to do their

jobs better. We deliver proven ideas and solutions from experts in HR develop-

ment and HR management, and we offer effective and customizable tools to

improve workplace performance. From novice to seasoned professional, Pfeif-

fer is the source you can trust to make yourself and your organization more

successful.

Essential Knowledge Pfeiffer produces insightful, practical, and

comprehensive materials on topics that matter the most to training

and HR professionals. Our Essential Knowledge resources translate the expertise

of seasoned professionals into practical, how-to guidance on critical workplace

issues and problems. These resources are supported by case studies, worksheets,

and job aids and are frequently supplemented with CD-ROMs, websites, and

other means of making the content easier to read, understand, and use.

Essential Tools Pfeiffer’s Essential Tools resources save time and

expense by offering proven, ready-to-use materials—including exercises,

activities, games, instruments, and assessments—for use during a training

or team-learning event. These resources are frequently offered in looseleaf or

CD-ROM format to facilitate copying and customization of the material.

Pfeiffer also recognizes the remarkable power of new technologies in

expanding the reach and effectiveness of training. While e-hype has often

created whizbang solutions in search of a problem, we are dedicated to

bringing convenience and enhancements to proven training solutions. All our

e-tools comply with rigorous functionality standards. The most appropriate

technology wrapped around essential content yields the perfect solution for

today’s on-the-go trainers and human resource professionals.

www.pfeiffer.com

Essential resources for training and HR professionals

To my daughters, Sarah and Laura, and my granddaughter, Chloe

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