Get Creative

Can't wait to use this list of Twenty Rules of Thumb for Creativity. Sources include one idea each from Einstein, Lao Tzu and Aristotle, and two from Jonas Salk; there's also one instance of repetition. One or both of these themes provide a way into the list for learners. The list has been put up by someone from AlliedSignal (now Honeywell).

First ideas

• An ordering task for relevance / perceived importance / usefulness.
• Use as preliminary task in a writing workshop, creative or otherwise.
• Getting pictures of Einstein and the others might work for some.

Who is Jonas Salk?!
Ha! Look at this teaser from google's returned search:

Jonas Edward Salk (October 28, 1914 – June 23, 1995) was an American medical researcher and virologist, best known for his discovery and development of ...

Well, I guess you either know it or you don't. Me not know! Answers on a postcard ;)

Lesson seeds

Having to knock up a scheme of work in a hurry, I came across some sketchy ideas from around this time last year. I have a feeling that I was under a similar time pressure then as well.

Despite being somewhat baffled by what I originally intended for the lessons to look like, I'm planning to run with one or more of them this term.

I have to confess a liking for this idea of lesson seeds. I find that the creativity needed for devising an interesting lesson doesn't match with the structured approach that the obligatory lesson plan calls for. I also like the idea that these seeds would probably lead to something different each time I come to use them. This creation of a generative set of criteria seems a much more effective way of approaching planning to me.

Does anybody else relate to an approach like this? Perhaps you could share some seeds.