Erasmus+ Course

Course overview

This course is designed to help educators foster creative and critical thinking in their classrooms. Through a blend of theory, hands-on techniques, and reflective practice, participants will explore tools, strategies, and frameworks that encourage students to think creatively and solve problems innovatively. From understanding the stages of thinking to overcoming creative blocks and designing engaging tasks, this course equips teachers to cultivate a mindset of curiosity, innovation, and metacognition in learners.

Key Features

• Focus on fostering creative and reflective thinking skills in education.
• Practical tools and techniques for encouraging creativity.
• Insights into metacognition and strategies for creative expression.
• Integration of technology and innovative methods to enhance creativity.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for teachers(Kindergarten,Primary,Middle, High Schools,Vocational Schools, Universities), trainers, school leaders, and educational professionals who aim to:

• Promote creative problem-solving and innovative thinking among students.
• Develop engaging, thought-provoking activities tailored to diverse learning environments.
• Strengthen their understanding of metacognition and its role in fostering a creative mindset.
• Incorporate art, drama, and technology to inspire student expression.

Requirements

Participants should have basic teaching experience and an interest in enhancing student engagement through creativity. A willingness to reflect on and adapt teaching practices is essential. No prior experience with creative thinking techniques is required, as the course is beginner-friendly yet comprehensive.

Flexible Approach

This course can be customized to align with participants' teaching levels, subjects, and classroom contexts, ensuring that the strategies and tools are directly applicable to their needs.

Course Methodology

This is a 25-hour training program designed to be completed over the course of five days. The course employs an interactive and reflective approach, emphasizing the practical application of creative thinking strategies. Key elements include:

• Hands-On Activities: Explore and practice creative techniques, such as brainstorming, Six Thinking Hats, and metacognitive strategies.
• Collaborative Learning: Group tasks, discussions, and role-play exercises foster peer interaction and idea sharing.
• Practical Application: Participants design creative tasks, lesson plans, and problem-solving activities tailored to their classrooms.
• Reflection and Feedback: Guided reflection sessions help participants refine their understanding and gain insights from trainers and peers.
• Technology Integration: Explore digital tools and platforms that support creative thinking in modern classrooms.

Modules

Module 01: Introduction to Creative Thinking Skills

• Explore what creative thinking means and why it is essential in education.
• Understand the role of creativity in problem-solving and innovation.

Module 02: Understanding the Creative Process

• Break down the stages of the creative process, from brainstorming to implementation.
• Learn how to guide students through this process effectively.

Module 03: Techniques, Tests, and Tools for Creative Thinking

• Discover methods for fostering creativity, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and lateral thinking.
• Explore ways to assess and measure creative potential in students.

Module 04: Stages of Thinking

• Dive into the stages of thought, including divergent, convergent, critical, and reflective thinking.
• Learn strategies to encourage flexibility and adaptability in students’ thought processes.

Module 05: Applying Creative Thinking to Real-World Problems

• Teach students how to connect creative thinking with real-world applications.
• Use case studies and problem-based learning to explore global and local challenges.

Module 06: Overcoming Creative Blocks

• Identify common barriers to creativity, such as fear of failure or lack of motivation.
• Learn strategies to help students (and teachers) break through these blocks.

Module 07: Creative Expression through Art and Drama Activities

• Use art, drama, and role-playing as tools to encourage creativity and self-expression.
• Foster a safe environment for students to experiment and share ideas.

Module 08: Reflective Thinking and Creative Mindsets: Metacognition

• Explore the concept of metacognition and its role in fostering self-awareness in learning.
• Teach students how to reflect on their thought processes and develop growth mindsets.

Module 09: Designing Creative Tasks for Various Classrooms

• Learn how to create age-appropriate, subject-specific tasks that encourage creativity.
• Explore interdisciplinary approaches to designing engaging and meaningful activities.

Module 10: Six Thinking Hats Technique

• Introduce Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats as a framework for structured, creative discussions.
• Teach students how to approach problems from multiple perspectives.

Module 11: Use of Technology for Encouraging Creativity

• Explore digital tools and platforms that support creative projects, such as collaborative storytelling, design software, or gamification techniques.
• Learn how technology can enhance, rather than replace, creative thinking.

Learning Outcomes

• Improve creative thinking skills, foster imagination, trigger spontaneity and enjoyment in everyday life.
• Master transversal skills and innovative teaching techniques, e.g. multiple intelligences and questioning as a tool of learning.
• Generate ready‐to‐use techniques, materials and ideas to encourage school or organisational development in the field of ECT with regards to interdisciplinary and inclusive approach.
• Apply creative thinking methods to any subject, encourage students’ learning autonomy, foster spontaneous activities and solving meaningful real-world tasks.
• Develop relevant, high-level skills (creativity, critical thinking, innovative problem solving), enhance good quality of mainstream education.
• Meet colleagues of different nationalities within the EU, engage in cross-cultural learning experience, exchange ideas and build a network for future international cooperation.
• Gain broader understanding of practices, policies and systems of education of different countries, cultivate mutual respect, intercultural awareness and embed common educational and training values.
• Revise and develop personal and professional competences, build confidence in promoting innovative and active pedagogies.
• Enrich communication skills, improve foreign language competencies, broaden professional vocabulary and promote EU’s broad linguistic diversity.

General Course Information

Before the course:

You would be required to fill a Questionnaire.
You will receive “ITC Guide Document” where you will find all necessary information.

After the Course:

Course evaluation form
Certificates
Course materials in electronical form / Other materials for self-study and dissemination of the techniques.