Creative Problem‐Solving for the Foreign Language Class

A bstract Small‐group activities which require problem‐solving allow students to practice creative thinking and foreign language skills simultaneously. Known techniques for stimulating creativity can be adapted to the language class. In the model suggested, creative problem‐solving activities are built around problems that are clearly defined, admit many possible solutions, and entail a situation in which reality is slightly skewed. While working in small groups, students practice role‐play by becoming “experts” in the matter at hand. Through the use of a recording secretary, the group is held accountable for its time. The teacher prepares the activity beforehand, tells the class the problem, checks comprehension, elicits questions that will help the students structure their discussion, divides the class, and withdraws from the scene. When enough time has elapsed, discussion is halted and the secretaries read their reports. Three sample activities are included at the end of the article

Class (philosophy · Comprehension · Creative problem-solving · Creative thinking · Creativity · Foreign language · Linguistics · Mathematics education · Pedagogy · Sample (material · Artificial Intelligence · Computer Science · Education and Critical Thinking Development · Psychology · Social Psychology

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  Open Access•Stephen A Sadow•Foreign Language Annals•1994

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