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FunThink: 12 Tools for Creative Problem Solving
12 Tools for Creative Problem Solving is the first book that uses engaging hands-on activities to guide the educator/student through the creative problem solving process using 12 proven creativity tools.
There are no special skills needed to be successful in the FunThink activities. They are designed to draw out innate creativity as well as spark original thought and creative problem solving. The activities are appropriate for ages 8 through adult.
Through research in creative problem solving and drawing from my 40 years of experience in art, design and invention, I've concluded there is a great need for experienced based material that would help children and adults grasp the creative problem solving process first hand.
Problem solving in the classroom is generally based on knowledge and information where there is only one correct answer, as in solving a math or physics problem or answering a history question. Creative Problem Solving draws not only on knowledge but involves the imagination that fosters original solutions. Applying creativity to problem solving is vital in developing innovative products in business or solving community issues like safety, housing and education.
Using the creative problem solving process outlined in the book I've gained patents on many diverse Rollerblades, toys, cameras, sailboats, and power sports. Currently I have four items licensed for retail sales through two major companies.
Using creative problem solving tools like, concept sketching and modeling, methods demonstrated in the project challenges in the book, I've designed and/or prototyped products in the following Tonka Toys, Polaris Industries, Fieldworks Computers, Electromed Medical, Toro, Kawasaki, BMW, Ford, Chrysler Motors, Lakeside Games, Jax Toys and many others.
The mystique of creative problem solving has been stripped away and can be easily understood through the hands-on project challenges. Once learned creative problem solving can be used in any situation where original solutions to problems are called for.
A basic understanding mind mapping, brainstorming, visual thinking, incubation, journaling, critical thinking, concept sketching and brainstorming can be used in any research, educational or corporate setting and lead to groundbreaking solutions to problems once thought unsolvable.
Using the creative problem solving techniques in the book I've presented at NAEA and Creative Education Foundation national conferences and present at gifted and talented organizations and teach creative problem solving at Our Savior Lutheran School and the gifted summer school program at West Suburban Summer School in the Minneapolis area.
It is ironic that such an important matter as innovation can be approached with a sense of playfulness. Creative problem solving is an engaging experience where the process is rewarding in itself; sort of like getting to scratch an itch. There are no right or wrong answers in the FunThink challenges. They are designed to allow for freedom of expression, taking risks and the opportunity to "think outside the box" while sneakily teaching the creative problem solving process.
The key to the success of FunThink is, rather than theorizing and being lectured on the creative problem solving process, the student discovers through hands-on project challenges the joy of using their innate creative problem solving abilities.
All that we need to be innovative thinkers we already possess. It is simply a matter of understanding and applying our innate abilities in a way that produces creative solutions to problems. FunThink activities are designed to develop the skills needed in creative problem solving.
There are no special skills needed to be successful in the FunThink activities. They are designed to draw out innate creativity as well as spark original thought and creative problem solving. The activities are appropriate for ages 8 through adult.
Through research in creative problem solving and drawing from my 40 years of experience in art, design and invention, I've concluded there is a great need for experienced based material that would help children and adults grasp the creative problem solving process first hand.
Problem solving in the classroom is generally based on knowledge and information where there is only one correct answer, as in solving a math or physics problem or answering a history question. Creative Problem Solving draws not only on knowledge but involves the imagination that fosters original solutions. Applying creativity to problem solving is vital in developing innovative products in business or solving community issues like safety, housing and education.
Using the creative problem solving process outlined in the book I've gained patents on many diverse Rollerblades, toys, cameras, sailboats, and power sports. Currently I have four items licensed for retail sales through two major companies.
Using creative problem solving tools like, concept sketching and modeling, methods demonstrated in the project challenges in the book, I've designed and/or prototyped products in the following Tonka Toys, Polaris Industries, Fieldworks Computers, Electromed Medical, Toro, Kawasaki, BMW, Ford, Chrysler Motors, Lakeside Games, Jax Toys and many others.
The mystique of creative problem solving has been stripped away and can be easily understood through the hands-on project challenges. Once learned creative problem solving can be used in any situation where original solutions to problems are called for.
A basic understanding mind mapping, brainstorming, visual thinking, incubation, journaling, critical thinking, concept sketching and brainstorming can be used in any research, educational or corporate setting and lead to groundbreaking solutions to problems once thought unsolvable.
Using the creative problem solving techniques in the book I've presented at NAEA and Creative Education Foundation national conferences and present at gifted and talented organizations and teach creative problem solving at Our Savior Lutheran School and the gifted summer school program at West Suburban Summer School in the Minneapolis area.
It is ironic that such an important matter as innovation can be approached with a sense of playfulness. Creative problem solving is an engaging experience where the process is rewarding in itself; sort of like getting to scratch an itch. There are no right or wrong answers in the FunThink challenges. They are designed to allow for freedom of expression, taking risks and the opportunity to "think outside the box" while sneakily teaching the creative problem solving process.
The key to the success of FunThink is, rather than theorizing and being lectured on the creative problem solving process, the student discovers through hands-on project challenges the joy of using their innate creative problem solving abilities.
All that we need to be innovative thinkers we already possess. It is simply a matter of understanding and applying our innate abilities in a way that produces creative solutions to problems. FunThink activities are designed to develop the skills needed in creative problem solving.
Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2008
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About the author
C. Ray Frigard
3 books3 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the name C.R. Frigard.
C. Ray Frigard is an artist/sculptor, creativity educator and presenter at national education conferences using material from his two books: Arthink: Creativity Skills for 21st Century Careers and Funthink: 12 Tools for Creative Problem Solving. He draws inspiration for his novels from the arts and his time in New York City in portraying his characters and setting. He is married, has four adult children and two granddaughters and now lives in Minnesota.
C. Ray Frigard is an artist/sculptor, creativity educator and presenter at national education conferences using material from his two books: Arthink: Creativity Skills for 21st Century Careers and Funthink: 12 Tools for Creative Problem Solving. He draws inspiration for his novels from the arts and his time in New York City in portraying his characters and setting. He is married, has four adult children and two granddaughters and now lives in Minnesota.
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December 28, 2017
FunThink by Ray Frigard was a very interesting, engaging book to read, but more importantly, it is a very interesting and engaging tool for use in the classroom; my classroom. The book easily supports a teachers efforts in making their classroom a setting for the creative process. Ray supports the teacher with a firm foundation in rationale and real world application. He offers wonderful suggestions for classroom use that I have personally seen inspire children to things they never had otherwise imagined. The children have fun while using simple everyday objects easily found in the home or classroom. This tool would support homeschooling groups as well.
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