A six-week long intervention that introduced second graders to poetry writing is described in this article, ending in a classroom "poetry cafe" culminating event. This article details the established classroom "writing workshop" structure and environment and the perceptions and observations of how students responded to the instruction. Four poetry…

The purpose of this study was to explore Vygotsky's notion of private speech as a cognitive self-regulatory process and how it related to creativity measures among at-risk children. Thirty-two Head Start and state-funded Pre-K children completed the Torrance creativity test Thinking Creatively in Action and Movement (TCAM). The children's private…

In 2006, a unique scenario transported eighth-grade Earth science students from the classroom into the cold, dry, pristine surroundings of Antarctica. The mission was to expose the students to hands-on science using satellite telephones, Contact 3.0 software, and some very creative improvisation. In addition, a detailed, well-illustrated blog…

While little is known about the processes of creative cognition or about the structure of human memory, scholars do understand the immense task of unraveling the cortical structure and function of the human brain. Existing literature on creativity appears to obscure the processes of creativity far more than it clarifies the creative act. However,…

Measures for developing creativity by exploring inner space are recounted: the procedure for deliberate dreaming, exercises in producing new patterns, the steps in bioheuristics, a description of "wilderness seminars", and staying in bed to problem-solve while dozing. (AJ)

This article discusses techniques for reaching the metaphorical side of the brain. (PD)

In this note, we introduce a simple homemade toy called the brush-creeper, which can glide forward with no propellers, limbs, wheels, and seemingly no movement of any kind that can push forward against the ground. The toy arouses pupils' interest and their incentive to ask "Why?" in lessons related to friction.

Noting that analogy is widely considered to be an important mechanism of scientific thinking and a source of creative insight in theory development, this report considers the implicit constraints that determine analogical soundness. The report first examines the constraints that govern analogical reasoning as it is predicated currently. The report…

In this study, the relationship of selected characteristics of temperament and ideational fluency in preschool children was explored. Subjects were 58 children ranging in age from 46 to 72 months, with a sample mean age of 57 months. All subjects were given the Multidimensional Stimulus Fluency Measure (MSFM), a test of ideational fluency. Their…

Many different courses are offered at the college level to promote critical thinking. Teachings in critical thinking without a proper reflection on methodological foundations can be useless. Reflection upon inductive and deductive methodologies of thinking is necessary to the development of critical thinking abilities. It must be remembered that…

The guide examines creative problem solving strategies for gifted and talented students (kindergarten through intermediate levels). The 33 strategies are arranged alphabetically by title and include the name of the developer, grade level, purpose, time allotment, strategy instructions, examples, application and/or variation, resources, and…

This book is about the human mind which is conditioned through education, formal or informal; it utilizes the philosophy of a world sage in order to understand the problems of contemporary society. "Things of the Mind" consists of four Socratic dialogues of which the main topics are: the meaning of an education that requires young people…

The purposes of this article are (1) to report empirical findings of studies of original or creative thinking in preschoolers, (2) to point out important issues to be considered in measuring the creativity of preschool children, and (3) to discuss the practical implications of these findings and issues. Research conducted at the Virginia…

It is frequently maintained that creativity involves flexibility, spontaneity, and divergent thinking. Contrary to this commonly held notion, rules play a central role in creativity. For example, in art most work is not revolutionary but rather takes place within a framework of rules dictated by a tradition, a school, or a style. Skills, too, are…

Reports the outcome of a meeting in which 21 of the world's more prominent scientists and philosophers of science attempted to analyze the creative process in science and medicine and explore ways in which scientific creativity might be taught. (JR)