ImaginGO defines Imaginative Thinking as a set of existing methodologies that we incorporate into our system to enrich students’ thinking abilities.
ImaginGO incorporates elements of the following methodologies:
- Divergent Thinking
- Critical Thinking
- Creative Confidence for Kids
- Design Thinking
- Creative Problem Solving
Divergent Thinking is the initial step within most GOGO’s. Students are encouraged to imagine various outcomes to various stimuli – not only for themselves but ImaginGO also works well as a collective class exercise and possible outcomes can be generated via collaborative brainstorming.
Within the initial Divergent Thinking step, other thinking methodologies are at play – most notably Critical Thinking while students develop possible outcomes.
Design Thinking methodologies are woven throughout the system and can be used as a group exercise if teachers would like to further develop an outcome outside of ImaginGO. For instance, in the GOGO, Leonardo’s Inventci, students could determine which solution to Great-Great Granny’s dishes could be developed into an actual “product” and the class could work together to create a prototype and test it.
Before developing ImaginGO, we thought to ourselves, “how would have innovators, like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk, benefitted in school if today’s technology and knowledge was available to them as students?”
ImaginGO sets the tone for children to think about different ways to solve problems early in their lives and have it carry on as they advance in school (and eventually into their adult lives). Imaginative Thinking is a solid base (and thinking toolbox) to offer students a way to develop new ways of thinking about problems and gaining confidence in the process.
The modern world is a complex place and one where students are relying on older (in some cases ineffective) methods to solve problems. A good classic education is, of course, still necessary but improvements to how students approach and solve problems are needed. That is why we promote Imaginative Thinking with ImaginGO as a complement to classroom and home school curriculum.
Over the past 5 years, we have read often that Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving will be necessary skills for modern workers. We see ImaginGO as a way to develop a new generation of problem solvers who are capable of solving the complex challenges of the modern world.