Industry and authors of 21st Century Skill Frameworks are calling for student proficiency in creativity, problem-solving, innovation, collaboration, and communication skills. This project involved 13 fifth grade gifted students in inventing products for a specified audience with a set of given materials, time limit, and topic constraints. The…

The paper describes the aims and implementation of Future Problem Solving Programs (FPS) initiated by E. Paul Torrance. It provides guidelines for teachers who wish to develop FPS in their schools and gives a list of useful resources. Stages of implementation are described and reactions of participating pupils are quoted. (Author/CL)

Creative problem solving (CPS) can be an effective tool in teaching gifted, creative, and talented students. One approach to CPS consists of five steps: fact finding, problem finding, idea finding, solution finding, and acceptance finding. Process techniques for each step are delineated. (CL)

One hundred fifty-six gifted elementary students (grades 3 through 6) responded to the Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory on a pre- and posttest basis during a 3 week, 45 hour College for Kids program, designed as an enrichment program with focus on critical thinking, problem solving, inquiry, research, and questioning. Thirty students responded to…

Development of problem-solving and creative thinking ability was examined through administration of experimental tasks to 240 gifted children (grade 2 to grade 6). Different patterns of development were noted: problem-solving skills grew steadily from grade 2 through grade 6; while creative thinking increased from grade 2 through grade 4, with no…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the Future Problem Solving Program on gifted students' ability to solve futuristic problems. Two specific research questions were asked. The first question dealt with the effects of the Future Problem Solving Program on subjects' total score on an ill-structured problem. Question two asked…

An enrichment program based on the Purdue Three-Stage Model (creative thinking abilities, creative problem solving, and independent study and research skills) resulted in no significant differences in self-concept scores for 199 gifted elementary participants compared to control Ss. Participants did, however, show significant differences in…

This article outlines both specific barriers to teaching and learning creative thinking as well as some possible directions for solutions. Sixteen common barriers such as confusion, powerlessness, and negativity are described along with strategies to dissolve them using such conceptual tools as awareness plans and proactive metathinking.…

Creative thinking and problem solving processes were studied in 233 gifted elementary students. (Author/DLS)

This paper examines cognitive capacities and dispositional characteristics that contribute to creative problem solving, including relationship generation skills, expertise, adaptability, and wisdom. The paper argues that programs for gifted and talented students should develop the beliefs, values, and motives that will encourage students to apply…

A 20-year study of 31 artists as students and as professionals reveals that skills in finding and formulating problems are significantly related to creative achievement. Accordingly, educators should turn their attention to teaching such skills. (MCG)

This paper discusses techniques and resources to use to stimulate creativity through a web site for several "generations" of gifted and talented learners. To organize a web site to stimulate creativity, two categories of development issues must be considered: intrinsic person variables, and process variables such as thinking skills,…

The Future Problem Solving Program is intended to help gifted students (grades 4 through 12) develop richer images of the future and increase creativity, communication, teamwork, research, and problem-solving skills. Procedures for participating in the program and securing materials are explained. (CL)

Kellogg Elementary School in Hickory Corners, Michigan has developed a special program for gifted students which emphasizes a conceptual, or problem-solving, approach to art. This article outlines the program's objectives, activities, and its five teaching units. Part of a theme issue on art for special needs students. (SJL)