This is an excellent presentation. I encourage you to watch it to the end (11 mins). The graphics are just as amazing as the message.
In particular, the segment on divergent thinking reminded me of the people of Cuba. In the animation, they discuss an intelligence test based on how many uses you can arrive at for a simple paper clip. The more uses thought of, the higher your intelligence.
Out of necessity, the average Cuban partakes in divergent thinking on a regular basis. Due to lack of availability of auto parts, art supplies etc. (as I discussed in earlier posts) they arrive at multiple uses for the materials found on the island. I feel that divergent thinking is a skill that can be practiced and is not necessarily an intellectual skill that can be nurtured. Do we give our students enough opportunities to practice divergent thinking? When they leave the shelter of our school system will they know how to arrive at the best possible answers to their problems through the act of divergent thinking? Divergent thinking is a life skill needed in both Cuba and in the United States. How can we as teachers increase the opportunity for divergent thinking in our classroom?
This is an excellent presentation. I encourage you to watch it to the end (11 mins). The graphics are just as amazing as the message.
ReplyDeleteIn particular, the segment on divergent thinking reminded me of the people of Cuba. In the animation, they discuss an intelligence test based on how many uses you can arrive at for a simple paper clip. The more uses thought of, the higher your intelligence.
Out of necessity, the average Cuban partakes in divergent thinking on a regular basis. Due to lack of availability of auto parts, art supplies etc. (as I discussed in earlier posts) they arrive at multiple uses for the materials found on the island. I feel that divergent thinking is a skill that can be practiced and is not necessarily an intellectual skill that can be nurtured. Do we give our students enough opportunities to practice divergent thinking? When they leave the shelter of our school system will they know how to arrive at the best possible answers to their problems through the act of divergent thinking? Divergent thinking is a life skill needed in both Cuba and in the United States. How can we as teachers increase the opportunity for divergent thinking in our classroom?
oops I meant to say: divergent thinking is a skill that can be nurtured.
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