Page 84 - UPthEM_Program_Final_December 2020

UPthEM – Upskilling Pathways for Employability
№ 2019-1-BG01-KA204-062299

Tools and Training Materials

Activity ONE: The Use of Language

Language can either open the creative floodgate or close it. Using ‘open ended’ language keeps
the mind moving and encourages it to make mental connections, which is the key to successful
Creative Thinking. It can be very easy to switch from a ‘closed’ form of questioning to an ‘open
ended’ form of questioning that allows you to be inventive and creative. For example, when
you ask questions like what else could I use this for? Or what could I do instead? You can be
more expansive in your thinking and come up with unexpected solutions.

This activity will encourage you to look at how you ask questions and explore issues, how you
question yourself and what kind of language you use.
The example will demonstrate a different way to explore and question. We will break the
thinking down into different areas.

Look at the object in the picture.
If you have one near you, get it out and have a good look at it,
take hold of it and then answer the questions.

It is not the most exciting object in the world but the important is to
ask the right questions. Of course, you can use any object you think about BUT you cannot
change the questions.

You will need a piece of paper for this activity.
1. What can you tell me about this object, what can you see? Only think about the facts, what
is real and visible. So, for example when we look at the object in the picture what shape is
it? What material is it made from? Now you try and write down a few more examples of
the shape and the material.

2. Next, ask yourself what is good about this object, what benefits are there for using it, what
is good about its design? (Hint: it is great for heating food in). Think of some other benefits
and uses just 3 or 4 will do.

3. OK, now what would you have to be careful about with the cooking pot, what risks are
involved when using it? (Hint: the handle might get hot). Write down a few more risky
things about the cooking pot.

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