Characteristics of Gordon’s Model
* According to this model creativity is important in everyday activities. Gordon’s model is designed to increase problem solving , creative expression , empathy and insight into social relations.
*Second, the creative process is not at all mysterious . It can be described, and it is possible to train persons directly to increase their creativity. (Traditionally creativity is viewed as a mysterious innate and personal capacity)
*Third , creative invention is similar in all fields- the arts, the sciences, engineering and is characterized by the same underlying intellectual processes.
*Gordon’s fourth assumption is that individual and group invention (creative thinking ) are very similar .Individuals and groups generate ideas and products in much the same fashion.
In school systems the main technique used is analogy. The child is lead into an ‘imaginary/ illogical world’ to see things never seen before to express himself in novel ways, to approach problems from a different angle which is entirely different from others as is perceived by the mind’s eye through ‘fresh ways of thinking’. He has to express his ideas clearly and also grasp ideas clearly and comprehensively.
Steps of the Model to be followed in the Classroom
Describe the topic
Create direct analogies
Describe personal analogies
Identify compressed conflicts
Create new direct analogy
Re-examine the original topic
Evaluate
Excellent resource explaining Gordon's "Synectic Model of Teaching." Very interesting.
