course_outline

Creative Problem Solving 101: Course Outline

Course Overview

This 3-hour course teaches practical creative problem-solving skills often overlooked in traditional education. Designed for complete beginners, it provides the essential 80/20 knowledge needed to approach problems with creativity, critical thinking, and structured methodology.

Target Audience

Adults seeking to enhance their problem-solving capabilities with no prior formal training in creative thinking or problem-solving methodologies.

Course Structure

  • Total Duration: 3 hours
  • Format: 10 lessons (20 minutes each)
  • Delivery: Text-based with interactive elements and infographics

Detailed Lesson Outline

Introduction: “Welcome to Creative Problem Solving 101”

  • Overview of creative problem solving and its real-world applications
  • The difference between conventional and creative problem solving
  • How this course will transform your approach to challenges
  • Setting expectations and quick wins

Lesson 1: “First Principles Thinking”

  • Subskill: Breaking problems down to their fundamental truths
  • Objectives: Learn to identify and question assumptions, reduce complex problems to their essential elements
  • Key Concepts:
    • Defining first principles
    • Elon Musk’s approach to innovation
    • The “Five Whys” technique
    • Avoiding reasoning by analogy

Lesson 2: “Inversion: Thinking Backwards”

  • Subskill: Approaching problems from the opposite direction
  • Objectives: Master the ability to invert problems to find solutions and avoid obstacles
  • Key Concepts:
    • Charlie Munger’s inversion mental model
    • Defining success by avoiding failure
    • Pre-mortems and anticipating obstacles
    • Negative visualization as a problem-solving tool

Lesson 3: “Lateral Thinking Techniques”

  • Subskill: Generating non-obvious solutions through unconventional thinking
  • Objectives: Develop the ability to break patterns and think sideways
  • Key Concepts:
    • Edward de Bono’s lateral thinking methods
    • Provocation techniques
    • Random stimulation exercises
    • Challenging assumptions and conventions

Lesson 4: “Mental Models for Problem Analysis”

  • Subskill: Using frameworks to understand complex problems
  • Objectives: Build a toolkit of mental models to analyze different types of problems
  • Key Concepts:
    • Systems thinking
    • Second-order thinking
    • Opportunity cost analysis
    • Pareto principle (80/20 rule) in problem solving

Lesson 5: “Creativity Triggers and Ideation Techniques”

  • Subskill: Generating multiple creative solutions
  • Objectives: Master techniques to overcome creative blocks and generate innovative ideas
  • Key Concepts:
    • Structured brainstorming methods
    • SCAMPER technique
    • Mind mapping for idea generation
    • Analogical thinking and biomimicry

Lesson 6: “Decision-Making Frameworks”

  • Subskill: Evaluating and selecting the best solutions
  • Objectives: Learn structured approaches to evaluate options and make decisions
  • Key Concepts:
    • Decision matrices
    • Weighted criteria analysis
    • Avoiding cognitive biases in decision-making
    • Rapid prototyping and testing

Lesson 7: “Implementation Planning and Adaptation”

  • Subskill: Turning solutions into actionable plans
  • Objectives: Develop skills to implement solutions effectively and adapt as needed
  • Key Concepts:
    • Breaking solutions into actionable steps
    • Anticipating implementation challenges
    • Feedback loops and iteration
    • Pivoting strategies when necessary

Lesson 8: “Collaborative Problem Solving”

  • Subskill: Leveraging collective intelligence
  • Objectives: Learn to facilitate group problem-solving and harness diverse perspectives
  • Key Concepts:
    • Structured group problem-solving methods
    • Managing groupthink and social dynamics
    • Techniques for effective collaboration
    • Integrating diverse perspectives

Lesson 9: “Capstone Project Part 1: Problem Analysis”

  • Subskill: Applying all learned techniques to a complex problem
  • Objectives: Begin working on a real-world problem using the course methodology
  • Key Concepts:
    • Problem selection and framing
    • Applying first principles and inversion
    • Using mental models to analyze the problem
    • Generating multiple solution approaches

Lesson 10: “Capstone Project Part 2: Solution Development”

  • Subskill: Completing the problem-solving process
  • Objectives: Finalize the capstone project with a comprehensive solution
  • Key Concepts:
    • Evaluating and selecting optimal solutions
    • Creating implementation plans
    • Anticipating challenges and adaptations
    • Presenting solutions effectively

Supplementary Materials

Checklists

  • First Principles Analysis Checklist
  • Inversion Process Checklist
  • Lateral Thinking Exercise Checklist
  • Mental Models Application Checklist
  • Ideation Session Checklist
  • Decision-Making Process Checklist
  • Implementation Planning Checklist
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving Checklist
  • Capstone Project Completion Checklist

Cheat Sheets

  • Creative Problem-Solving Quick Reference
  • Mental Models Summary
  • Cognitive Biases to Avoid
  • Ideation Techniques at a Glance
  • Decision Framework Selection Guide

Templates

  • Problem Definition Template
  • First Principles Breakdown Template
  • Inversion Analysis Template
  • Lateral Thinking Workshop Template
  • Mental Model Application Template
  • Idea Evaluation Matrix Template
  • Solution Implementation Plan Template
  • Collaborative Session Planning Template
  • Capstone Project Documentation Template

Interactive Elements

  • Self-assessment quizzes
  • Guided practice exercises
  • Real-world case studies
  • Reflection prompts
  • Peer discussion questions

Evaluation Methods

  • Practice exercises with self-assessment rubrics
  • Capstone project completion
  • Application of techniques to personal challenges
  • Before/after comparison of problem-solving approach