In a rapidly changing world, creativity is the foundation that drives innovation, while problem-solving is the process that transforms ideas into solutions. I firmly believe that to create effective problem solvers, we must prioritize teaching these skills as part of every learning experience.
The Need for Creativity and Problem-Solving
Today, technology, especially AI, is making tasks easier, but this convenience can often lead to a lack of hands-on problem-solving skills. It’s not enough to simply have knowledge; we need to know how to implement it in real-world contexts. This is where creativity and problem-solving come into play. Unfortunately, our current education system often fails to teach how to apply knowledge practically, leading to a disconnect between learning and real-world application.
My Mission: Bridging the Gap
Recognizing this gap, I embarked on a mission to introduce ideation and problem-solving skills to students and young people across India. I observed that many youths are unaware of the processes of ideation, brainstorming, and structured problem-solving. This inspired me to create a session series called “Unlocked Creativity,” which aims to demystify these concepts and make them accessible to students of all backgrounds.
The “Unlocked Creativity” Series
Recently, I conducted the “Unlocked Creativity” program at City Montessori School in Lucknow, engaging students in an immersive learning experience. The program included:
- Brainstorming Sessions: Students were encouraged to generate as many ideas as possible, learning that even the most unconventional ideas could spark innovation.
- Mind Mapping: This technique helped them visually organize their thoughts, expanding their ability to connect different concepts and ideas.
- SCAMPER Technique: An effective problem-solving method, SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) encouraged students to think creatively about how to approach challenges.
By introducing these techniques, students learned to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to everyday problems. Feedback from the session was overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing how the experience had changed their approach to learning and problem-solving.
Connecting Creativity to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
An essential part of my approach is connecting ideation and brainstorming with real-world challenges, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I guide students to link their creative ideas to these goals, such as clean water, sustainable energy, and quality education, making their learning experience more impactful and relevant.
For example, students explored problem statements like “How can we promote clean energy in rural areas?” or “What strategies can be used to reduce pollution in local water bodies?” This process not only fosters a deeper understanding of the SDGs but also equips them with the tools to think critically about how they can contribute to solving global issues.
Why This Matters
In today’s world, issues like pollution, resource overconsumption, and climate change are pressing challenges that require innovative solutions. By teaching ideation and brainstorming skills, I aim to cultivate a generation of thinkers and doers who can tackle these challenges with creativity and confidence. I believe that by nurturing these skills early on, we are preparing young people to be the problem-solvers and innovators our world needs.
Future Plans and Impact
My vision is to expand this program across more schools and communities, reaching youth who might not have access to such learning experiences. By providing practical tools and techniques, I hope to create a culture of innovation where every individual feels empowered to think creatively, solve problems, and contribute to a sustainable future.