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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Creative problem solving through habit change

According to learners, this course offers a unique and effective approach to enhancing creativity, primarily through its series of "differents" exercises. Many found these activities instrumental in breaking habitual thinking patterns and generating new ideas, describing the course as mind-opening and transformative. The focus on divergent thinking is seen as a core strength. However, there is a notable division among students regarding practical application; some found it immediately applicable to work and daily life, while others felt it was too abstract and lacked concrete tools for structured problem-solving, particularly in business contexts. While the overall sentiment is largely positive, those expecting traditional problem-solving frameworks may find its emphasis on personal exploration and habit change a significant departure from their expectations.

Focus on habit change challenges expectations.

"This course will challenge you to move outside of your existing comfort zone..."

"The focus on personal habit change through 'differents' is brilliant."

"Expected practical techniques for problem-solving, got abstract exercises about changing personal habits."

"Be prepared to put in effort outside the online material."

Applicability debated; helpful for some, abstract for others.

"Highly recommend for anyone feeling stuck creatively in their work or personal life."

"I found some parts a bit vague... less so if you need concrete methods for a specific job."

"This isn't just theoretical; it's about changing your habits."

"Didn't see how eating something 'different' helps solve complex work challenges. Felt like a fluffy self-help course..."

Strong emphasis on divergent thinking helps generate ideas.

"It focuses on divergent thinking, the ability to develop multiple ideas and concepts to solve problems."

"It definitely improved my ability to generate ideas."

"Enjoyed the course and the focus on divergent thinking... It helped me approach problems from new angles."

"The concepts of divergent/convergent thinking are explained well."

The 'differents' exercises are core and effective.

"This course truly opened my mind. The 'differents' exercises were challenging but incredibly effective at breaking me out of my routine thinking."

"Fantastic course! The 'differents' exercises are genius. They force you to actively engage with the material in your daily life."

"The core idea of practicing 'differents' is unique and effective. It shifts the focus from passive learning to active experimentation."

"The exercises are the core and they do make you think differently... the cumulative effect is positive."

Some desired more structure or clear direction.

"But it felt a bit unstructured at times. I wasn't sure if I was doing the 'differents' correctly or getting the intended benefit."

"However, I found some parts a bit vague."

"More examples of real-world application would have been helpful."

"It was too abstract for me..."

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

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager