Synectics
Objectives and Assignments
Objectives and Assignments Strategy Description Strategy Template Student Examples Strategy Rubric Comparing Models Resources Syllabus Calendar	Introduction: William Gordan's work actually begin with the corporate world. He helped corporations to find creative solutions to problems that they were encountering. His objective was not to just find a solution to one problem, but rather to teach an approach and different strategies for thinking in a totally different way. The backbone of his methods depended on the generation of analogies and moving away from the concrete problem, to think whimsically about the situation and then return to the problem to see it in a new light with different solutions. He was interested finding ways to let the creative juices flow. After working with corporations, it make sense to involve students during their educational journey to develop the creative potentials. He adapted his process to education and also developed a number of publications to be used in classrooms. Objectives: Participants will: identify the phases and concepts of the synectics model: direct analogies, personal analogies, comressed conflicts. identify problems or situations in which students need to think creatively. identify direct analogies which tickle students thinking: (analogies that are not too close to the situation---students' thinking is reinforced rather than tickled; or so distant and removed that they puzzle or confuse the students ---students feel stranded and frozen.) generate open prompts for personal analogies and compressed conflicts. compare a variety of applications of the synectics. view the computer as a tool to enhance creativity. identify applications of synectics on a continuum between teacher led and student led.  Assignments: Readings Reading: Joyce, B. and Weil, M. (1996). Models of Teaching, 5th ed. Synectics Model. Students have reported that it is useful to skim the chapter before class. Read the scenarios and look at the charts that summarize the model. After class demonstrations and activities, read the chapter thoroughly. Homework This model is optional as an assignment. If the strategies fit either your students or content, you may develop this as an assignment. Activity 1 Introduce the three elements of Synectics: Direct analogy Personal analogy Compressed Conflict Activity 2 Two iterations of : Creating Something New Objectivity Write a brief reaction/response Subjectivity Write a brief reaction/response Type a sample using Word Center, right justify, left justify Try "breaking" at different places Increase type size on certain words or phrases Change type style on certain words or phrases Revise words or phrases Debrief phases that need certain attention Activity 3 Brainstorm when and how to use this model I
EdTe 226	California State University, Sacramento October, 2000