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-ec•tics \ 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
