Imagination+and+Innovation

Imagination- the ability to conceptualize that which does not currently exist.

Survival of our human species is a result of ingenuity and creativity. communication over time and space

Creativity is tied to mood, motivation Why is creativity do important to 21st century learning? We must teach students how to creatively adapt to the new technologies and systems of the 21st c.

Creativity on 3 Levels:
 * You become more creative as a person
 * Makes you more creative as a teacher
 * Helps your students to be more creative

Can you learn to be more creative? Difference between creativity and talent - Talent is not the indicator of success, but rather it is motivation and drive.

Connection between neurons is one major aspect of creativity. Brains are plastic and flexible and can be built or destroyed. What is the Creative Process? Two pathways of creative process
 * Preparation - Gathering knowledge, problem - finding
 * Creative Solution
 * Evaluation
 * Elaboration
 * Implementation
 * Trial and Error - embracing failure and mistakes (Thomas Edison inventing the lightbulb)
 * Incubation and Insight (Aha!) spontaneous generation of creative ideas. (Mozart, Tessla)

Brain Activation Patterns (Brainsets) Associated with Creativity Connect Reason Envision Absorb Transform Evaluate Stream

BAP. change mood, memories and ability to initiate creativity Prefontal Cortex: Planning Step-by-step problem solving Analysis Detail Examination Judgment

As the PFC matures, other cognitive Cognitive disinhibition: Turn down the PFC functions of the brain to increase awareness of other cognitive processes int he brain (Imagination, Play, etc..)

Right Brain : Processes novelty Left Brain: Steps, planning, sequencing, organizing information

Skills associated with the //Absorb Brainset//: Mindfulness Intellectual Curiosity Openness to experience State of receptiveness

Teaching Idea** Show students a picture. Ask them to come up with a question that can not be answered by looking at the picture. (No fact questions). Then,. trade and have them answer the questions and discuss.

The moment of Insight: A state when a person has insight in the unconscious. Before sleeping, jiust awakening, or after strenuous activity.

//Skills associated with the Envision Brainset: // Imagination Fantasy Play Visualization

Skills associated with the //Connect Brainset:// Activation of associational networks

Play "Degrees of separation" Find two words in the dictionary and find other words to connect them ex; __Fish__, Ocean, Yacht, Wealthy, __Money__

Convergent vs. Divergent thinkers

Very important to be flexible to move among the Brainsets and types of thinking.