124 101 Activities for Teaching Creativity and Problem Solving
Related Activities
- Combo Chatter [24]
- Ideas in a Box [25]
- Parts Is Parts [30]
- 666 [34]
- Word Diamond [35]
- A Likely Story [15]
Handout
- Circle of Opportunity Handout
Procedure
- Instruct the groups to write down their challenge statement on a flip chart.
- Distribute the Circle of Opportunity Handout, review it with the participants, and
ask for any questions they might have. - Have them draw a circle on a flip chart about two feet in diameter, and number it
like a clock, placing the numbers inside the circle. - Tell them to generate a list of twelve attributes that are either related or unrelated
to their problem. Related attributes would describe major problem features. For
instance, an airline promotional campaign might include such attributes as peo-
ple, costs, travel, and airports. Unrelated attributes are common to many prob-
lems. Examples include substance, structure, color, shape, texture, sound, and
politics. Tell them to write each attribute next to one of the numbers. - Direct them to take turns throwing one die to choose the first attribute and a pair
of dice to choose the second. - Tell them to free-associate on each attribute individually and then on the two com-
bined and to write down on a flip chart each association as it is verbalized. - Have them look for connections between their associations and their problems.
Encourage them to think about what the associations remind them of, any analo-
gies suggested, and any relationships between associations. - Tell them to write down any ideas on Post-it®Notes and place them on flip charts
for evaluation.
Debrief/Discussion
This is an excellent exercise to use after a break or at the end of the day when people start
getting tired. Its drawing requirements, visual elements, and throwing dice can help pro-
vide some needed energy—especially if group members take turns drawing or throwing
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