Creative problem solving is not just "fluff" - it is a life skill that businesses are looking for. Critical thinking, leadership skills, working as a team - all of these are skills that will help students succeed during the K-12 years, higher education, and especially when they are looking for and find a job.
Why is it we are so focused on test scores and right/wrong answers when life is a constant challenge requiring us to solve problems every day? We need to teach kids how to think!
A wonderful program that helps these students is Destination ImagiNation (http://www.idodi.org/). It is an educational creative problem solving program for ages 4 through college and teaches students - AND adults - creative problem solving, critical thinking, leadership skills, and team work. The teams of up to seven students solve open-ended challenges and present their solutions at tournaments.
Virginia has a very large program - go to http://www.divirginia.org/. Please also join our facebook page - Virginia Destination ImagiNation. Feel free to contact Laurie Abeel, the Affiliate Director, at testingstars@yahoo.com.
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