Creativity (FFOE)

1.     What are the four dimensions that J.P. Guilford used to describe creativity?

Fluency (FL), flexibility (FLX), originality (O),and elaboration (E)

2.     
 With which of the four dimensions do you struggle the most? Provide details as to why/how this dimension is difficult for you.


a.     I have a tough time in general with flexibility. I tend to think very concretely and rigidly. I prefer and prepare lessons that are detailed and specific. I know my students will get so much more out of any activity if they have a say and make their own choices. The world is constantly changing and my students need to be prepared to adapt to whatever comes. Incorporating flexibility into all areas of life will be beneficial. Looking at an issue from someone else’s perspective allows information to be processed in different ways, and create “interpersonal and cross cultural bonds.”

3.     Think about all of the tools we’ve learned about in class so far. Select a tool and describe how it might help with two or more of the four dimensions of creativity.

a.     I have not used Pearltrees, but from the amount of time I have explored it, I can easily see the flexibility and elaboration. The way Pearltrees works is through collecting, joining, and connecting various information you find interesting on the web. Someone can personalize their own tree and add to it at anytime. There is collaboration amongst its users that easily share information with one another. The flow of thoughts could easily be changed and represented in a different way. Changing your pearltrees is part of the benefit of the tool. Pearltrees is designed for organization with continual information being added, and then shared. The ability to collect, organize, change, add to, and share information are endless.

4.     
 Spend 10-15 minutes exploring one of the creativity tools listed in the chart on p. 14 in the article. Make sure not to choose a tool you’ve used before. How could that tool be used to support creativity in your chosen grade/subject area?

a.     Bubbl.us (http://bubbl.us) FL FLX E

b.     From the playing around that I did on Bubbl.us, I discovered how easy it is to use and to build off of your ideas. It simply helps you brainstorm and connect one thing to anther. It makes a lot of sense visually to see your brain take one concept and expand that to something completely different. There is a lot of flexibility in the way you choose to represent your flow of thoughts. Students will be able to tailor their “Bubbl” to their specific needs and process.