Creative Problem Solving

One form of project-based learning to consider is problem-based learning. In this approach:

1. The teachers and students select a topic of study based on student interests, curriculum standards, and local resources.

2. The teacher finds out what the students already know, and helps them generate questions to explore. The teacher also provides resources for students and opportunities to work in the field.

3. Students share their work with others in a culminating activity. Students display the result of their explorations and review and evaluate their projects. (Drake & Burns, 2004)

The problem-based approach has considerable value if creative development is a key objective. In his book Creativity is Forever, Gary Davis presents many identified techniques useful for enabling creativity. These include:

Brainstorming - Idea generation in which criticism is ruled out, freewheeling is welcomed, quantity is wanted, and combination and improvement are sought.

Attribute Listing - A technique for eliciting new ideas which may be used within a brainstorming session.

Creative Problem Solving Model (CPS) - A 5 or 6 step model leading from mess finding through fact finding, problem finding, idea finding, solution finding, and finally acceptance finding.

SCAMPER - An acronym for a creative technique in which you : Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify/Magnify/Minify, Put to other uses, and Reverse/Rearrange.

These techniques can be used by teachers and students to identify problems in their communities, and navigate toward a creative solution while meeting previously designed learning standards.


Gary A, Davis, Creativity is Forever, (2004), Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa.

Drake, Susan & Burns, Rebecca, Meeting Standards through Integrated Curriculum, (2004), Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Alexandria, Virginia.