Creative Problem Solving from Coursera

This course deals directly with your ability for creativity which is a critical skill in any field. It focuses on divergent thinking, the ability to develop multiple ideas and concepts to solve problems. Through a series of creativity building exercises, short lectures, and readings, learners develop both an understanding of creativity and increase their own ability.

This course will help you understand the role of creativity and innovation in your own work and in other disciplines. It will challenge you to move outside of your existing comfort zone and to recognize the value of that exploration. This course will help you understand the importance of diverse ideas, and to convey that understanding to others.

The principal learning activity in the course is a series of "differents" where you are challenged to identify and change your own cultural, habitual, and normal patterns of behavior. Beginning with a prompt, e.g. "eat something different", you will begin to recognize your own = limits and to overcome them. In addition, you are encouraged to understand that creativity is based on societal norms, and that by it's nature, it will differ from and be discouraged by society. In this course, the persistence of the creative person is developed through practice. At the same time, these exercises are constrained by concerns of safety, legality, and economics, which are addressed in their creative process.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course

Creativity is a skill that can be developed. It requires extensive work by learners, but the lessons, while not conveying traditional content, will change you in ways you do not foresee, but ways which are valuable. The course is a hybrid; it will involve reading, writing, discussions, as well as specific exercises designed to increase and improve your creative skills. You will do work online as well as in the real world; it is designed to be fun and to change your ability for creativity.

Divergent and Convergent Thinking

In this unit we'll look as some of the ways we can describe creativity and examine the concepts of divergent and convergent thinking. We'll look at generating more ideas, how to critique and make improvements, and continue to practice our development of ideas. Practice and exploration continue as these are the means we will continue to improve our own creativity.

Creativity, Motivation and Observation

Sometimes, we need external methods to help us touch all the bases in our creative capability. Here, we'll look at a couple of good methods for helping us generate new ideas.There are a wide range of creativity exercises available; these are but a few. Finding and practicing the development of ideas is an important aspect to becoming more creative.

Creativity and Observation

A lot of the time, creativity can be spurred by something in the environment, triggering connections with new ideas. We react to things we have seen and our experiences; that is from where we build our new ideas. While much of this course has focused on ways to improve your own creativity, the larger goal of the course is for you to continue to develop your own creativity, in your own way and in your own life. This module continues the development creativity and give you the chance to begin planning your continued development.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Cultivates divergent thinking, a valuable skill for professionals seeking innovative solutions

Provides practical exercises and real-world applications to enhance creativity

Stresses the importance of observation and exploration in fostering creativity

Reviews summary

Imaginative problem-solving

learners say this course provides a thorough understanding of the key principles and techniques of creative problem-solving. The lessons are structured around practical exercises that challenge learners to step outside of their comfort zones and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. The course is highly engaging and interactive, with instructors who are experts in the field and provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the learning process. One of the key strengths of the course is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Learners engage in a variety of creative exercises and activities, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and role-playing. These exercises are designed to stimulate divergent thinking and help learners develop the skills needed to generate a wide range of ideas and solutions. The course also places a strong emphasis on collaboration, with learners working together in teams to solve problems and share their insights. The course is well-structured and provides a clear framework for learning. Each module covers a different aspect of creative problem-solving, building upon the knowledge and skills gained in previous modules. The course also includes regular quizzes and assignments to assess learners' understanding of the material and provide feedback on their progress. Overall, learners found this course to be a valuable and rewarding learning experience. They appreciated the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and engage in hands-on exercises that helped them develop their creative problem-solving skills. The course is highly recommended for anyone interested in enhancing their creativity and innovation capabilities.

Connect theory to practice by providing examples of how creative problem-solving is used in real-world settings.

"This course helps me gain my confidence back that I was once and I still am a creative person."

Provide practical exercises that allow learners to apply their knowledge and develop their skills.

"This course is so interesting! It's help me improve idea, I more understand about creative and develop it."

Foster teamwork and collaboration by having learners work together on problem-solving exercises.

"It was such a great course, it focuses your mind on things to do to be more creative and think out of the box"

Benefit from the knowledge of experienced instructors who guide learners through interactive lessons.

"The teachers are amazing, and the subject is definitely interesting and adhering to multiple realities and working positions."

Engage learners with imaginative assignments that push them to think differently and test boundaries.

"I had a great time with this course and it will definitely help me in a way of thinking and decision making."

"I love how this course make me think anything around me in different point of view."

"This course is very nicely created with of creativity from the instructors."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Creative Problem Solving with these activities:

Review lecture notes

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Reinforce understanding of course concepts

Browse courses on Divergent Thinking

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Gather your lecture notes.
Set aside time to review the notes.
Summarize and condense the material.

Read a book on divergent thinking

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Gain a deeper understanding of divergent thinking and its application

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Set aside time to read the book.
Take notes or highlight important passages.
Write a summary of the book.

Join a study group

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Engage with peers to discuss and reinforce course material

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Find a study group or form your own.
Set up regular meeting times.
Discuss course material, work on problems together, and share ideas.

Four other activities

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Create a study guide

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Synthesize course materials for effective review

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Gather your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Identify key concepts and topics.
Organize and structure the material in a logical way.

Complete online exercises on creativity

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Enhance problem-solving skills and strengthen understanding of course material

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Find online exercises or practice questions related to creativity.
Set aside time to complete the exercises.
Check your answers and learn from your mistakes.

Follow online tutorials on creativity techniques

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Explore additional resources to enhance your creativity skills

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Find online tutorials or videos on creativity techniques.
Set aside time to follow the tutorials.
Practice the techniques you learn.

Create a project that showcases your creativity

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Develop a creative piece that demonstrates your understanding of course concepts

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Brainstorm ideas for a creative project.
Choose an idea and develop a plan.
Create your project.
Share your project with others and get feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Creative Problem Solving will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are responsible for starting and running their own businesses. They work independently to develop new products and services, and to market and sell them to customers. This course can help Entrepreneurs develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Entrepreneurs generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Counselor

Counselors are responsible for providing support and guidance to individuals and families who are struggling with mental health or emotional issues. They work independently or in counseling centers to help clients overcome challenges and improve their lives. This course can help Counselors develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Counselors generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Social Worker

Social Workers are responsible for providing support and assistance to individuals and families in need. They work independently or in social service agencies to help clients overcome challenges and improve their lives. This course can help Social Workers develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Social Workers generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Consultant

Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance to businesses and organizations. They work independently or with consulting firms to help clients solve problems and improve performance. This course can help Consultants develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Consultants generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. They work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions. This course can help Business Analysts develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Business Analysts generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Teacher

Teachers are responsible for educating students at all levels, from preschool to college. They work independently or in schools to develop lesson plans, teach classes, and evaluate student progress. This course can help Teachers develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Teachers generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development, launch, and ongoing success of new products. They work closely with engineers, designers, and marketing teams to ensure that products meet the needs of customers. This course can help Product Managers develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Product Managers generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work closely with stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course can help Project Managers develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Project Managers generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers (UX Designers) are responsible for designing the user interface and experience of products. They work closely with engineers and product managers to ensure that products are easy to use and enjoyable. This course can help UX Designers develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help UX Designers generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Engineer

Engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure and products. They work independently or in engineering firms to develop new technologies and solve complex problems. This course can help Engineers develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Engineers generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams. They work closely with marketing teams and product managers to ensure that products are sold effectively. This course can help Sales Managers develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Sales Managers generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Nurse

Nurses are responsible for providing care and support to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They work independently or as part of a healthcare team to assess patients' needs, develop treatment plans, and provide ongoing care. This course can help Nurses develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Nurses generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Doctor

Doctors are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients with a variety of illnesses and injuries. They work independently or as part of a healthcare team to assess patients' needs, develop treatment plans, and provide ongoing care. This course can help Doctors develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Doctors generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Lawyer

Lawyers are responsible for providing legal advice and representation to clients. They work independently or in law firms to help clients navigate the legal system and resolve disputes. This course can help Lawyers develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Lawyers generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. They work closely with sales teams and product managers to ensure that products are marketed effectively. This course can help Marketing Managers develop the creativity and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in this role. The course's focus on divergent thinking will help Marketing Managers generate new ideas and concepts, while the emphasis on observation and motivation will help them identify and solve problems.

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