An Education Track for Creativity and Other Quality Thinking Processes [Hardcover]

Berenice Bleedorn (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0810845504 | ISBN-13: 978-0810845503 | Publication Date: January 9, 2003

The need for new thinking in the world, both official leadership and for all participating members of society has been a glaring reality in recent times. To Berenice Bleedorn, the idea of teaching students how to use the full potential of their thinking apparatus is not absurd_simply logical and timely. Creative expression is central to the development of a sense of personal identity and it is significant that creative thinking and expression are valued by the powers that be. Each of the 12 chapters discuss creative and other higher order thinking processes as suggested by the products dimension of the Guilford Model of the Structure of Intellect. Included are references to systemic thinking, global dimensionalities, futuristic or visionary thinking, and the need for leadership with capacities to engage in thinking at those higher levels of complexity. An effort is made throughout the articles to heighten awareness of Creative Studies as a substantive area of study with serious relevance to intellectual and personal development across disciplines. This book is helpful for higher education faculty and administrators and consultants and seminar facilitators in creativity and innovation for business, as well as a broad range of organizations and public service centers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Dr. Berenice Bleedorn, educational entrepreneur extraordinaire, has once again focused her insights on the human brain/mind as one of the most powerful resources available for managing a society in transition. Her examination of the relationships between the institution of education and the real world of business and our global community is layered with the wisdom, uncommon forcefulness, knowing and urgency that we have come to expect in her work. She has thrown down the gauntlet for the very survival of our planetary home and challenged us in compelling ways to seize the preordained role of education and begin the work of major service in the evolution of human intellect and consciousness that provides for the freedom to think at the highest possible levels. (Lynne Krause )

Dr. Bleedorn begins this book with an impressive account of her evolution from a housewife and undergraduate student in my class at the University of Minnesota to her career in gifted and talented education, university professorship, and educational entrepreneurship. The broad range of her experiences in providing consultation to educational and business organizations make her book enlightening. (Dr. Paul E. Torrance )

An important book for educators, this volume covers creative problem solving, conflict resolution, and global and futuristic thinking. (The Futurist )

With educational reform on everybody's mind, from president to students, Dr. Bleedorn has written, in layman terms, a review of what is needed and how true educational reform can happen in this decade. A long time advocate for creativity as an academic discipline, she has been able in this book to bridge issues of traditional and creative thinking. She believes strongly that "all higher order processes of thinking must be deliberately taught and must take their place within the traditional curriculum with its emphasis on skills and content. (Frank Maraviglia )

About the Author

Berenice Bleedorn is a semi-retired educator and consultant for Creative Development Initiatives. She has initiated and taught courses in Creative Studies and Future Studies for more than 30 years in university education and business departments.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: R&L Education (January 9, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810845504
• ISBN-13: 978-0810845503
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,469,457 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Less than expected, April 11, 2005

By 

Yaa Asantewa "seeking creativity" (Washington DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Education Track for Creativity and Other Quality Thinking Processes (Hardcover)

If you're looking for a general overview of the role of creativity in education, or a justification of why educational systems (and broader social systems) should do more to promote creativity, then this book is for you. However, if you're looking for a "how to", i.e., a method for transforming education in order to better promote creativity, then this book will disappoint you.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Clarion Call for Reform, April 25, 2003

By 

Jack Ratcliffe "jratcliffe48" (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Education Track for Creativity and Other Quality Thinking Processes (Paperback)

I have had the unique opportunity not only to read this short but topical book, but also to have heard Ms. Bleedorn speak at the recent American Creativity Association Conference. In a series of interesting essays, she makes a strong case for the need to introduce the formal teaching of thinking skills and creativity tools into the school curriculum.

As a former school board member and as the husband of an elementary school teacher, I endorse this stand heartily.

OK, the essays get a little repetitive from time to time, but sometimes repetition is necessary to drive the point home. A lesson known to every teacher in America.

I teach some of the material Ms. Bleedorn discusses and I'm adding her book to my bibliography of worthy further reading. I also intend to buy copies of her book to present to participants. That's how strongly I feel about the great service she is trying to do for teachers and school children across the nation.