8.1
Define creativity, convergent thinking, and divergent
thinking.
8.2
Do you think it is more important to promote convergent or
divergent thinking? Give examples of ways that you will help your students develop both ways of thinking in your
classroom.
8.1
ReplyDeleteCreativity is new and original behavior that yields a productive and culturally appropriate result.
Convergent thinking is the process of pulling together several pieces of information to draw a conclusion or solve a problem.
Divergent thinking is the process of moving mentally in a variety of directions from a single idea.
8.2
I think it is more important to promote divergent thinking in the classroom. Creativity in the classroom is very important for young children, because it may be the only opportunity for young children to express themselves. I oftentimes view convergent thinking as having only one precise solution that can be approached various ways, but the end result must be one correct answer. Developing this in the classroom would involve having flash cards, providing precise directions for children to follow, and model a strong emphasis on coming to one agreed answer.
I associate divergent thinking with children all beginning at the same point, but from there they branch out to other ways of thinking. This can be done by promoting play in the classroom or allowing children to take risks and be creative.
I would label your first question as lower level thinking and your second question as higher level thinking. In the first question I was asked to remember basic facts and understand the definitions. In the second question I was asked to apply my knowledge of these definitions to a future classroom.