Divergent Thinking Paper

When a student has a challenging problem to solve, what thinking strategy does the student prefer? Is he or she more likely to use a method they have previously learned to find the solution? Or is he or she more likely to find all possible methods to attain the desired solution? In most cases, the student would simply do the easiest method to find the solution, there being a variety of methods for the solution. This type of thinking can be identified as divergent thinking. It is a thought process used to generate creative ideas by exploring numerous outcomes. Rather than making evident strides and strolling along a straight line, one looks at different aspects of the situation, making distinctive results. Divergent thinking is essential for …show more content…
Each of the strategies she described allow students to “think outside the box.” Reversing the question/answer paradigm, simply means educators asking open ended questions where there are multiple answers to the question allowing students to explore and understand different methods of a task/solution. Goodman described “let the music play” as allowing there to be an open environment for students without the fear of being judged. Inquiry based feedback, Goodman’s third method, also incorporates open ended questions but allows educators to give feedback on the solution/response. Goodman states, “Students become less concerned by exact interpretation and more open to poetry, metaphor, and dream imagery in general (“Fuel Creativity in the Classroom With Divergent Thinking,” 2014)”.” Using art, such as collages, readymade, and pareidolia can open up divergent thinking for