Page 61 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 02 11/20/02 11:37 AM Page 50
50 The Creative Training Idea Book
FOUR STEPS OF THE CREATIVITY PROCESS
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A well known model for creativity was described by researcher Graham Wallas. In his
model, Wallas described four key stages or steps through which creativity is accomplished.

Stage 1: Preparation

In the first stage of creativity it is important that you accurately define the problem or
issue (e.g., who, what, when, how, why), then gather as much supporting information
as possible through research. In addition, you must establish the criteria for verifying
that your solution or decision is appropriate and will truly address your needs.

Stage 2: Incubation

As you read in Chapter 1, you must allow your brain time to process information received.
This could take minutes, weeks, or years. It can help to get away from the issue or pro-
gram you are working on and going to do other things. By stepping away from the sit-
uation, you allow your brain to compare and contrast alternatives related to needs. This
is similar to reading or discussing something prior to going to bed and then reexamining
it the next morning. Your subconscious brain will often continue to process throughout
the night and you will arrive at a solution once reintroduced to the material the next day.

Stage 3: Illumination

In the third stage of creativity, you actually arrive at that “Ah ha!” point where the pieces
fall together in your mind and your creative light bulb goes on. This may occur as a flash
or after contemplating the issue as a whole.
To understand this revelation period, think of times when you had been working to
solve a problem for days and suddenly in the middle of the night, while taking a shower,
or while doing something else, you realize the solution. Your brain had never stopped
working on the issue.
To experience the “Ah ha!” feeling, take a few minutes to look at Figure 2-2. Try to
figure out what it is you are looking at without looking at the Solution underneath. Was
it easy or difficult to see? What made it so? How does this revelation apply to concepts
of creative training?

Stage 4: Verification

In the final stage of Wallas’ creativity model you actually take steps to determine if the
solution or answer in Stage 3 will really meet the criteria set in Stage 1 and will resolve the
issue. With a training program, you can often determine this during a delivery rehearsal.
If one of your criteria in Stage 1 was selecting an alternative activity to allow participants
to practice a skill within a specified time frame, and your practice demonstrated it did,
then the need is potentially satisfied.