Thinking – types- Convergent thinking, Divergent thinking and Creative thinking (steps) – Developing creative thinking in learners

Thinking – types- Convergent thinking, Divergent thinking and Creative thinking (steps) – Developing creative thinking in learners

1. Thinking SURESH BABU G ASST: PROFESSOR IN PERSPECTIVE OF EDUCATION

2. Thinking consists of the cognitive rearrangement or manipulation of both information from environment and symbols stored in long-term memory. Thinking is the form of information processing that goes on during the period between a stimulus event and response to it. Thinking is an internal mental process that uses information as input, integrates that information into previous learned material and the result may be knowledge or may be nothing. Thinking

3. Definition Ross:- “ Thinking is mental activity in its cognitive aspect or mental activity with regard to psychological objects”. Garret:- “ Thinking is behavior which is often implicit and hidden and in which symbols (images, ideas , and concepts) are ordinarily employed”. Mohsin :- “ Thinking is an implicit problem solving behavior”.

4. Nature of Thinking It is essentially a mental activity It is a purposeful and goal directed behavior. It is a problem solving behavior It involves mental manipulation of images. It is a symbolic activity, where mental solution of the problem is carried out through some signs, symbols and mental images.

5. Tools of Thinking Images Concepts Symbols and signs Language

6. Types of Thinking Perceptual or Concrete thinking Conceptual or Abstract thinking Reflective thinking or logical thinking Creative thinking Critical Thinking Convergent thinking Divergent thinking

7. Types of Thinking Perceptual or Concrete thinking – Its basis is perception or concrete object. It is one carried out on the perception of actual or concrete objects and events. Abstract thinking – Based on Concepts , generalized ideas. It is carried out in the absents of actual objects or event. Reflective thinking – Based on problem solving Creative thinking – Based on creating new Critical thinking –It us the ability to think clearly and rationally . It includes the ability to engage in reflection and independent thinking.

8. Convergent thinking It is concerned with a particular end result The thinker gather information relevant to the problem and then proceeds by using problem solving rules The result of convergent thinking is usually a solution

9. Not a type of thinking one primarily uses when they think creatively In convergent thinking the person is good at bringing material from a variety of sources to solve a problem to produce the correct answer Convergent thinking

10. Divergent Thinking It is not concerned with a particular end result In divergent thinking one tend to think in a divergent manner thus having many varied thoughts about a problem The result of the divergent thinking is usually many solution for a problem

11. Divergent thinking is a type of thinking one primarily uses when they think creatively In divergent thinking skill is in broadly elaborated of ideas prompted by a stimulus Divergent Thinking

12. Creative thinking This type of thinking is chiefly aimed to create something new. It is in search of new relationships and associations to describe and interpret the nature of things , events and situations. The person himself usually formulates the problem and he is free to gather evidence and invent tools for its solution.

13. Stages of Creative thinking Stage of preparation- focuses attention on problem, organizing data , defining problem and producing relevant ideas The stage of incubation – Person test the idea , flashes of insight and trial judgment occurs. This is a period of no obvious activity and progress. The problem is being solved unconsciously. The stage of illumination- This is called “Eureka” when the individual suddenly perceive the theme and relationship among the various components of the problem Revision – Here the individual reflects , evaluates and submits to critical appraisal.

14. Developing creative thinking in pupils Freedom to respond Opportunity for ego involvement Encouraging originality and flexibility Providing appropriate opportunities and atmosphere for creativity expression Developing healthy habits among children Using creative resources of the community Proper organization of the curriculum