Module 18: Problem Solving and Creativity

ENGAGE
1. Answer this match puzzle.

Remove 8 matches to leave just 2 squares, which should not touch.

[Link]
ANSWER: To solve the puzzle, carefully remove the necessary matches while
maintaining the shape of the squares. The key is to ensure the remaining matches form
2 distinct squares, without them touching. Since this is a visual problem

2. What would happen if humans had one more eye at the back of their head?
Write as many answers then indicate why.

Your Answers Why

Humans would have a broader field Having an additional eye could
of vision, potentially improving improve spatial awareness and
awareness of their surroundings. survival instincts by offering a
This extra eye could help with panoramic view of the
multitasking or increase safety by environment. However, the
providing a constant view of what’s brain may struggle to process
behind. this added input, leading to
It might cause information overload cognitive overload. Socially, it
or distraction, as we’d be might make people overly
processing more visual input cautious or self-conscious
simultaneously. about their appearance.

EXPLORE
1. How did you find the activities?
I found the activities engaging and thought-provoking. They challenged my ability
to think outside the box, especially in solving puzzles and answering open-ended
questions. They made me realize that problem-solving isn't just about finding one
correct answer but exploring multiple possibilities.

2. What did you do to be able to solve the puzzle?

 To solve the match puzzle, I carefully visualized how removing matches would still
leave two distinct squares without them touching. I experimented with different
combinations and considered the geometry of the puzzle to see how to leave only
two squares.

3. What kind of question were you given in Activity #2?

The question in Activity #2 was hypothetical, asking how an additional eye at the
back of the head would impact human experience. It was open-ended, allowing
for multiple answers based on reasoning and imagination.

4. Was this type of question necessary for you to be able to come up with more than
one answer? Could you have come up with more than one answer if the question
asked was "Who is the incumbent President of the Philippines.
Yes, the open-ended question encouraged creative thinking and allowed me to
explore different scenarios. On the other hand, a factual question like "Who is the
incumbent President of the Philippines" would not offer the same flexibility for
multiple answers, as it demands a specific, correct response.

EXTEND WITH SYNAPSE STRENGTHENERS

1. Make a collection of puzzles, riddles and other materials that promote creativity and
problem solving. [Link] source. Enhance your skills by trying to answer or
solve them.
2. Read more on convergent and divergent thinking by Guilford.

EXTEND BY APPLYING
1. Choose a topic from your field of specialization. Think of an activity to introduce the
topic which will provide an opportunity for your learners to practice creative thinking
and problem solving skills.

•Formulate questions under the four aspects of creative thinking fluency, flexibility,
elaboration and originality.
Topic: Environmental Education for High School Students

Fluency: How many ways can we conserve water in our daily lives?
Flexibility: Can you think of different methods for protecting the environment in both
urban and rural settings?
Elaboration: What are the steps involved in implementing a successful recycling
program in your community?
Originality: What unique and innovative environmental projects can you propose to
your school or local government?

•Do creative problem solving by applying Van Gundy's '6 x 2 stages' form or

Brandsford's IDEAL model.

Van Gundy's 6 x 2 Stages : In the first stage, focus on understanding the problem. In

the second stage, generate potential solutions. For environmental education, this

could involve assessing a local environmental issue, then brainstorming ideas like

clean-up drives or waste reduction programs.

Bransford's IDEAL Model:

o Identify the problem: What environmental issue needs attention?

o Define goals: Aim to reduce plastic waste in the school.

o Explore solutions: Discuss options such as banning single-use plastics.

o Act on solutions: Start a campaign for reusable items.

o Look back: Review the progress and adjust the approach accordingly.

EXTEND BY RESEARCHING
Read a research or study related to creativity. Fill out the matrix below
 Problem Research Methodology
The study explores how creative thinking A mixed-methods approach combining
impacts problem-solving in different fields, surveys, case studies, and creative
such as education, engineering, and exercises. Participants were asked to
business. complete creative thinking tests and solve
real-world problems in group settings

Title and Source: (Complete APA bibliographical

entry format)

Finding Conclusion or Recommendation

The study found that individuals with high Creativity plays a crucial role in problem-
creative thinking skills outperformed solving, and fostering creative thinking
others in innovative problem-solving can improve outcomes in various
tasks. Creativity was particularly domains. The study recommends
important in fields requiring new solutions, integrating creativity training into
such as technology and education. educational curricula to enhance
students' problem-solving abilities.

EVALUATE
1. Explain in your own words Torrance's 4 criteria of creativity.
Fluency: The ability to produce a large number of ideas or solutions.
Originality: The uniqueness of the ideas generated.
Flexibility: The ability to approach problems from different perspectives.
Elaboration: The depth and detail in the developed ideas.
2. Practice creative thinking. Do the following.

a. In two minutes, think of as many uses as possible for a spoon.

The test measures divergent thinking across four sub-categories:

Fluency how many uses you can come up with

Originality how uncommon those uses are (e.g. for a paper clip "router restarter" is more
uncommon than "holding papers together")

Flexibility how many areas your answers cover (e.g. for a paper clip, cufflinks and
earrings are both accessories, aka one area)

Elaboration level of detail in responses; (for a clip, "keeping headphones from getting
tangled up" would be worth more than "bookmark")

a. Uses for a spoon:

Stirring coffee
Serving soup
Measuring ingredients
Holding hair back
Scraping paint
Making a sculpture
Digging small holes in the garden

b. Incomplete Figures Complete the images below.

c. Riddle
 A man has married 20 women in a small town. All of the women are still alive and
none of them are divorced. The man has broken no laws. Who is the man.
The man is a priest or minister. This refers to someone who performs weddings, not a man
who marries 20 women.

d. The Candle Problem

you are given a candle, a box of thumbtacks, and a book of matches. Affix the lit
candle to the wall so that it will not drip wax onto the table below.
Use the box of thumbtacks to attach the candle to the wall by tacking the box to the wall first,
then placing the candle inside the box to catch the wax

4. Apply
problem solving skills
(a) There are 200 marbles in a box. All the marbles are either red or blue. If
there are 40 more red marbles than blue, how many red marbles are there in
the box?
A. 40
B. 80
C. 120
D. 160
E 180

(b) Three times a number is the same as the number added to 60. What is
the number? A. 15
B. 20
C. 30
D. 45
E. 180
(c) If the length, width and height of a rectangular box measure 1,3, and 8,
respectively, what is the total surface area of the box?
A. 24
B. 35
C.70
D. 72
E. 144