John T. McCarthy, Ph.D., NCC

This presentation will offer various definitions of creativity and a discussion of the history and perspectives of creativity before describing research pointing to a decrease in creativity among American youth. Various models and segments of creativity will be explained with examples of creative techniques included throughout the presentation.

Goals and Objectives

By the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to:

  1. define creativity and discuss the SCAMPER model;
  2. explain research on creativity, particularly recent studies on its decline among youth; and
  3. demonstrate at least two creative techniques.

Presentation Outline

  1. Opening: creativity exercise/activity
    1. give audience a choice in type
    2. process it briefly
    3. opening questions: when and how you are most creative?
  2. The SCAMPER model
    1. "Who has heard of...?" exercise
    2. Apply the model to the inventions
  3. But what is it?
    1. Creativity defined and outlined (types of thinking)
    2. Research on creativity: the decline of creativity?
    3. The challenge in our educational systems (Michalko)
    4. Ways to be creative/creative people
    5. Idea stimulation: the problem with "brainstorming"
    6. Getting to the right question
  4. Utilizing the arts in aiding creativity
    1. music
    2. imagery
    3. literature
  5. Closing
    1. final exercise
    2. questions / answers / comments