How to facilitate the learning of creativity: thinking “outside the box” and beyond textbook solutions

Abstract

Purpose

One of the challenges in higher education is how to teach creativity; i.e. the ability to think outside the box and beyond standard textbook solutions. This paper seeks to explore what is creativity, whether it is possible to learn creativity, and if so, how to facilitate learning of creativity. One such method is innovation camps. The paper asks, is it possible to transfer the experiences from innovation camps to other kinds of organizations and settings?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on one qualitative and two quantitative surveys.

Findings

Interdisciplinary teams of students from different educations who did not know each other before the innovation camps were able to work together and produce creative and innovative concepts. The students' learning outcomes differed, depending on their education.

Research limitations/implications

This study indicates that interdisciplinary teams where the participants do not know each other in advance may produce creative and innovative concepts if the process is properly organized.

Social implications

Many of the experiences from innovation camps about how to facilitate learning of creativity are most likely transferable to other organizations and settings. Creativity is an important determinant of future wealth and prosperity.

Originality/value

The paper provides new insight for those interested in how to develop creativity, particularly in teams where the team members do not know each other in advance.

Citation

Boge, K. (2012), "How to facilitate the learning of creativity: thinking “outside the box” and beyond textbook solutions", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 26 No. 6, pp. 14-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777281211272260