Lesson Plan: Creative Problem Solving in Psychology
Subject: Psychology
Topic: Creative Problem Solving
Duration: 30 minutes
Target Audience: Adult Learners
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the concept of creative problem solving.
- Recognize the stages of the creative problem-solving process.
- Apply techniques for enhancing creativity in problem-solving scenarios.
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Engage the students by asking: "What is a problem you faced recently and how did you solve it?"
- Discuss the importance of creativity in problem-solving within various fields, including psychology, business, and everyday life.
Overview of Creative Problem Solving (10 minutes)
What is Creative Problem Solving?
- Define Creative Problem Solving (CPS) as a method used to approach a problem or challenge in innovative ways.
- Emphasize that CPS involves thinking outside the box and considering various perspectives.
Stages of Creative Problem Solving
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Clarify the Problem
- Identify and articulate the problem clearly.
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Generate Ideas
- Encourage brainstorming and exploring multiple solutions.
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Develop Solutions
- Assess the feasibility of ideas and develop actionable steps.
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Implement Solutions
- Take action to implement the chosen solution.
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Review and Reflect
- Analyze the outcomes of the implemented solution and reflect on the process.
Techniques for Enhancing Creativity (10 minutes)
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Brainstorming
- Encourage free thinking without judgment.
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Mind Mapping
- Visual representation of ideas and their connections.
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Reverse Thinking
- Consider what not to do or how to achieve the opposite of the desired outcome to generate new ideas.
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SCAMPER Technique
- Substitute: What can be substituted?
- Combine: What can be combined?
- Adapt: What can be adapted?
- Modify: How can it be modified?
- Put to another use: How can it be used differently?
- Eliminate: What can be eliminated?
- Reverse: How can the process be reversed?
Class Activity (5 minutes)
- Group Activity: Divide the class into small groups and have them select a common problem (e.g., reducing stress, improving work-life balance). Each group will apply one of the techniques (e.g., SCAMPER) to come up with creative solutions.
- After 3 minutes, each group will present their most innovative idea.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Recap the importance of creative problem solving in everyday life and in professional contexts.
- Encourage students to regularly apply these techniques in their personal and professional lives.
Homework Assignment
Task 1: Reflective Essay
Write a 300-word reflective essay on a personal problem you faced and the creative problem-solving techniques you used or could have used to address it. Discuss the outcome and what you learned.
Task 2: Problem-Solving Exercise
Select a problem you're currently facing and apply the SCAMPER technique to develop at least three potential solutions. Submit your answers in a written format.
Correct Answers for Homework
Task 1: Reflective Essay Guidelines
- Structure: Introduction, body (problem description, techniques applied), conclusion (lessons learned).
- Key Points: Clear articulation of the problem, creativity in thinking, reflections on the outcome.
Task 2: Problem-Solving Exercise Sample Responses
Note: Students' responses may vary; the focus should be on the application of the SCAMPER technique.
This lesson plan provides a comprehensive approach to teaching creative problem-solving within the context of psychology, tailored for adult learners in Canada.