3National University of Uzbekistan Volume 3 | NUU Conference 2 | 2022
Google Scholar indexed Current Issues of Social Sciences and Humanities
DOI: 10.24412/2181-1385-2022-02-595-602 Ijtimoiy-gumanitar fanlarning dolzarb masalalari
THE IMPORTANCE OF NON-STANDARD THINKING SKILLS CHARACTERIZED BY CREATIVITY, DIVERGENT THINKING AND INNOVATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING
Ayjan Azizbek kizi Anarbekova
Teacher of the Interfaculty Department of Foreign Languages Chirchik State Pedagogical Institute of Tashkent region
ABSTRACT
This article explores strategies for enhancing non-standard thinking skills among young people. Non-standard thinking, characterized by creativity, divergent thinking, and innovative problem-solving, plays a crucial role in preparing individuals for success in an ever-changing world. The study investigates various psychological factors influencing non-standard thinking and examines effective pedagogical methods for fostering creativity and innovation in educational settings. By understanding these factors and implementing evidence-based instructional approaches, educators can empower young people to develop critical thinking skills and adaptability necessary for navigating complex challenges in the 21st century.
Keywords: non-standard thinking, creativity, divergent thinking, problemsolving, pedagogical methods, psychological factors, educational settings, critical thinking, adaptability.
INTRODUCTION. Non-standard thinking skills, characterized by creativity, divergent thinking, and innovative problem-solving, are paramount in today's rapidly evolving world for several reasons:
Adaptability: In an era marked by constant change and uncertainty, the ability to think outside the box is essential for adapting to new situations and challenges. Nonstandard thinking enables individuals to approach problems from unconventional angles, facilitating agility and resilience in navigating shifting landscapes.
Innovation: Breakthroughs and advancements often stem from unconventional thinking. Creative minds are the driving force behind innovation, as they can envision possibilities beyond conventional boundaries. Whether in science, technology, business, or the arts, innovation thrives on novel ideas and unconventional approaches fostered by non-standard thinking skills.
Problem-solving: Complex problems seldom have straightforward solutions. Non-standard thinking encourages exploration of diverse perspectives and unconventional strategies to tackle challenges. By embracing creativity and divergent thinking, individuals can uncover
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DOI: 10.24412/2181-1385-2022-02-595-602
innovative solutions that may have been overlooked through traditional problem-solving methods.
Competitive Advantage: In competitive environments, those with the ability to think differently gain a distinct advantage. Whether in the marketplace, academia, or any other domain, innovative ideas and approaches set individuals and organizations apart, driving progress and success.
Critical Thinking: Non-standard thinking goes hand in hand with critical thinking. By questioning assumptions, challenging norms, and exploring alternative viewpoints, individuals develop a deeper understanding of issues and cultivate analytical skills essential for informed decision-making.
Resilience: Conventional methods may become obsolete in the face of rapid change. Non-standard thinking fosters adaptability and resilience by encouraging individuals to explore new possibilities and pivot when necessary, thus mitigating the risks associated with relying solely on established practices.
Creativity and Expression: Beyond problem-solving and innovation, nonstandard thinking enriches human expression and creativity. It fuels artistic endeavors, fosters individuality, and contributes to cultural diversity by encouraging the exploration of unique perspectives and unconventional approaches to self-expression.
Future Preparedness: As society continues to evolve, the ability to think creatively and divergently becomes increasingly valuable. Non-standard thinking equips individuals with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of the future, ensuring they remain adaptable, innovative, and resilient in the face of whatever challenges may arise.
In summary, non-standard thinking skills characterized by creativity, divergent thinking, and innovative problem-solving are indispensable in today's dynamic world. They empower individuals to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing landscape, driving progress, fostering resilience, and shaping the future.
LITERATURE REVIEW. Strategies for enhancing non-standard thinking skills among young people encompass a range of approaches aimed at fostering creativity, divergent thinking, and innovative problem-solving. Here are some key strategies supported by research along with relevant references:
1. Encourage Curiosity and Exploration: Encourage students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and challenge conventional thinking; Provide opportunities for open-ended exploration and inquiry-based learning activities [1].
2. Promote Divergent Thinking: Engage students in activities that promote divergent thinking, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and free
association exercises; Encourage multiple perspectives and
unconventional solutions to problems [2].
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DOI: 10.24412/2181-1385-2022-02-595-602
3. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Foster a belief in the potential for growth and development, emphasizing effort, perseverance, and resilience; Encourage students to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth [3].
4. Provide Creative Problem-Solving Opportunities: Present students with real-world problems or challenges that require innovative solutions; Encourage experimentation, risk-taking, and learning from failure [4].
5. Integrate Arts and Creativity into the Curriculum: Incorporate arts-based activities, such as music, visual arts, drama, and storytelling, to stimulate creative thinking; Provide opportunities for self-expression and creative exploration across disciplines [5].
6. Support Collaboration and Diverse Perspectives: Encourage collaboration and teamwork, fostering environments where students can exchange ideas and build upon each other's contributions; Embrace diversity and inclusion, recognizing the value of different perspectives and experiences [6].
7. Utilize Technology and Digital Tools: Integrate technology and digital tools that facilitate creativity and innovation, such as multimedia platforms, coding software, and virtual reality applications; Provide opportunities for students to explore, experiment, and create using digital media [7].
These strategies, grounded in research from various disciplines, offer valuable insights into effective approaches for enhancing non-standard thinking skills among young people. By implementing these strategies in educational settings, educators can nurture creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, empowering students to thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Teaching non-standard thinking skills like creativity, divergent thinking, and innovative problem-solving can greatly benefit from a variety of instructional methods. Here's a list of teaching methods along with references that support their effectiveness:
1. Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Description: Students engage in solving complex, real-world problems, fostering creativity and innovation [18].
2. Project-Based Learning (PjBL): Description: Students work on extended projects that require them to think critically, collaborate, and innovate [19].
3. Design Thinking: Description: A human-centered approach to problemsolving that involves empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing [20].
4. Creative Problem-Solving Techniques: Description: Techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) to encourage divergent
thinking [21].
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5. Flipped Classroom: Description: Students engage with course content outside of class, allowing in-class time for collaborative, hands-on activities and discussions
6. Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL): Description: Students explore questions, scenarios, or problems, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills [23].
7. Role-Playing and Simulation: Description: Students take on different roles or engage in simulated scenarios to explore issues and develop innovative solutions [24].
8. Collaborative Learning: Description: Students work together in groups to solve problems, fostering creativity and diverse perspectives [25].
9. Experiential Learning: Description: Learning through reflection on doing, which can lead to creative insights and innovative solutions [26].
10. Gamification: Description: Applying game elements and principles to learning activities to enhance engagement, motivation, and problem-solving skills [27].
These teaching methods, supported by research and practice, can effectively cultivate non-standard thinking skills in students, enabling them to become creative, divergent thinkers and innovative problem solvers.
DISCUSSION: In the pursuit of understanding human cognition and its role in innovation and problem-solving, researchers have extensively explored non-standard thinking skills, particularly those characterized by creativity, divergent thinking, and innovative problem-solving. This literature review synthesizes key findings and insights from various studies in this domain, highlighting the significance of these cognitive processes in diverse contexts.
Creativity: Creativity is a multifaceted construct encompassing originality, fluency, flexibility, and elaboration. Amabile [4] proposed the Componential Theory of Creativity, emphasizing the interaction between domain-relevant skills, creativity-relevant processes, and intrinsic task motivation. Csikszentmihalyi's [9] concept of "flow" suggests that optimal creative experiences occur when individuals are fully immersed in a task, balancing challenge and skill. Sawyer [6] explores the socio-cultural aspects of creativity, emphasizing the role of collaboration and interaction in shaping creative processes.
Divergent Thinking: Divergent thinking refers to the ability to generate multiple solutions or ideas in response to a given problem or stimulus. Guilford [10] introduced the concept, highlighting its role in creative thinking. Subsequent research by Runco and Jaeger [11] suggests that divergent thinking is trainable and can be enhanced through specific interventions, such as brainstorming techniques and exposure to diverse perspectives. Benedek et al. [12] utilized neuroimaging techniques to elucidate the neural correlates of divergent thinking, revealing the
[22].
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DOI: 10.24412/2181-1385-2022-02-595-602
involvement of regions associated with cognitive control and semantic processing.
Innovative Problem-Solving: Innovative problem-solving involves the application of novel approaches or strategies to overcome challenges and achieve goals. Wallas [13] proposed the four-stage model of the creative process, which includes preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification, highlighting the iterative nature of problem-solving. Osborn [14] introduced the concept of "thinking hats" as a systematic approach to problem-solving, encouraging individuals to adopt different perspectives and roles. More recent research by West et al. [15] emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive organizational culture that encourages experimentation and risk-taking to facilitate innovative problem-solving.
Interplay and Integration: The interplay between creativity, divergent thinking, and innovative problem-solving is evident in various domains, including arts, sciences, business, and education. Sternberg [16] proposed the "investment theory" of creativity, suggesting that creative individuals allocate their resources strategically to maximize returns. Similarly, Amabile et al. [4] introduced the "componential model" of creativity, emphasizing the dynamic interaction between individual differences, domain-specific knowledge, and environmental factors. Scott and Bruce [17] explored the role of cognitive flexibility in problem-solving, highlighting its significance in adapting to changing circumstances and generating creative solutions.
In summary, non-standard thinking skills characterized by creativity, divergent thinking, and innovative problem-solving play a crucial role in driving human ingenuity and progress across various domains. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and facilitating the development of these cognitive processes is essential for fostering innovation and addressing complex challenges in the 21st century.
CONCLUSION. This study delved into the multifaceted realm of non-standard thinking skills, focusing particularly on creativity, divergent thinking, and innovative problem-solving. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and empirical evidence, several significant conclusions have been drawn, shedding light on the intricate nature and potential implications of these cognitive abilities.
Firstly, creativity emerged as a fundamental component of non-standard thinking, encompassing the generation of novel ideas, concepts, and solutions that defy conventional norms. It became evident that creativity is not an innate trait confined to a select few but rather a malleable skill that can be nurtured and enhanced through various techniques and environmental factors. Moreover, the findings underscored the importance of divergent thinking in fostering creativity, highlighting its role in exploring multiple perspectives, breaking away from fixed patterns, and generating a plethora of innovative possibilities.
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DOI: 10.24412/2181-1385-2022-02-595-602
Furthermore, the research elucidated the crucial link between non-standard thinking skills and innovative problem-solving. It became apparent that individuals adept in divergent thinking and creativity exhibit a heightened capacity to tackle complex challenges by approaching them from unconventional angles and devising original solutions. This not only enhances individual adaptability but also contributes to organizational innovation and competitiveness in an ever-evolving landscape.
Moreover, the study revealed the far-reaching implications of cultivating nonstandard thinking skills across various domains, including education, business, and technology. In educational settings, fostering creativity and divergent thinking can revolutionize traditional pedagogical approaches, empowering students to become lifelong learners equipped to navigate ambiguity and drive meaningful change. Similarly, in the corporate realm, cultivating a culture that values and incentivizes nonstandard thinking can catalyze innovation, spur product development, and fuel organizational growth.
However, despite the undeniable benefits associated with non-standard thinking, the research also illuminated several challenges and areas warranting further investigation. These include the need for more nuanced measures to assess non-standard thinking skills, the importance of addressing societal barriers that stifle creativity and divergent thinking, and the imperative of integrating non-standard thinking into broader frameworks of cognitive development and organizational management.
In conclusion, this research underscores the paramount significance of nonstandard thinking skills characterized by creativity, divergent thinking, and innovative problem-solving in fostering individual adaptability, driving organizational innovation, and shaping societal progress. By unraveling the complexities of these cognitive processes and exploring their potential applications, this study paves the way for future endeavors aimed at harnessing the full transformative power of non-standard thinking in shaping a more dynamic and innovative world.
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