LISTEN & LEARN: Applied Imagination by Alex Osborn

Fueling Creativity in Education

In the third episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast's summer 2024 Listen and Learn series, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett delve into Alex Osborn's seminal work, "Applied Imagination." They discuss how this classic book, authored by Osborn, an advertising executive turned creativity scholar, laid the groundwork for modern creative problem-solving techniques. The hosts elaborate on Osborn's systematic approach to harnessing creative imagination, highlighting well-known strategies such as brainstorming. They also delve into how brainstorming should be employed effectively within the classroom context, examining both historical and recent perspectives on its efficacy.

Throughout the episode, Matthew and Cyndi dissect the various strategies Osborn proposed, including the well-known SCAMPER tool, which was also originally developed by Osborn. They discuss the evolution of these tools and methodologies in contemporary education settings, emphasizing the importance of adapting them to different classroom environments. Adding an interactive twist, they introduce a secret code game for listeners to engage with and reveal the latest letter in the code. Listeners are encouraged to visit Jimmy Wilson's commentary on their website for further insights into the discussed literature. The episode underscores that while these creative processes have evolved over time, many foundational elements remain relevant and influential in today's educational frameworks.

Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?

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What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?
Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.
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