Brainstorm!: Practice for Unrestricted Imagination and Original Thought

Brainstorm!: Practice for Unrestricted Imagination and Original Thought

by Olga Zbarskaya Ph.D.
Brainstorm!: Practice for Unrestricted Imagination and Original Thought

Brainstorm!: Practice for Unrestricted Imagination and Original Thought

by Olga Zbarskaya Ph.D.

Hardcover

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Overview

This book explains how to unlock unlimited personal creativity and to create a culture that supports emotional health, inventiveness, and success through a comprehensive examination of creative thinking that integrates theoretical, scientific, psychological, and sociological perspectives.

How do we teach innovative thinking and stimulate creativity? Creative thinking is a highly desirable trait in today's world, where creativity lends the mental fitness and flexibility necessary to switch easily between patterns of thinking and contend with the constant changes that result from ongoing technological advancements. Yet research shows that the national level of creativity in both children and adults is declining. This book showcases methods that build "outside of the box" thinking skills that can empower people to succeed not only in school or work but in life in general, resulting in greater self-esteem, reduced stress, increased productivity, improved overall health, and more satisfaction in everyday life.

Brainstorm! Practice for Unrestricted Imagination and Original Thought shows, with scientific proof, that the powerful engine of creativity has unlimited fuel and can power every sphere of life, from food preparation to personal relationships and from academia to government administration. It is a manual for leveraging creative thought in order to overcome barriers, solve difficult problems, and streamline and optimize day-to-day living.

Educators, institutional leaders, and CEOs will discover how creativity-boosting courses and trainings can promote unprecedented performance and productivity among students and employees. Based on extensive research data and more than 100 interviews with experts worldwide, this accessible and engaging book presents vivid analogies and metaphors; insights from experts in various fields ranging from education to neurology, music, and technology; and fun exercises that make it clear that creativity is indispensable in every realm of life—and that anyone can take simple, effective steps to tap into their own creative potential.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781440853937
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date: 12/12/2016
Pages: 356
Product dimensions: 6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Olga Zbarskaya, PhD, is an internationally published author and director of policy, research, and program development for one of New York's leading human services organizations.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction: My Journey toward Creativity xvii

I Creativity: What, When, Where, How, and Why? 1

1 The History of Creativity 3

2 The Study of Creativity 8

3 Characteristics of Creativity 22

II Creativity and the Mind 35

4 The Activity of the Brain 37

5 Creativity, Perception, and Replication 47

6 The Eureka Effect: "Aha!," Idea Generation, and Patterns of Thinking 58

7 Creativity and Mental Disorders 76

III Creativity and Development 85

8 Creativity as a Necessity for Human Development and Education 87

9 The Impact of Personal Characteristics, Training, and Failures on Creativity: Interviews with Creative Individuals 103

IV Creativity in Different Spheres of Social Life 121

10 Creative Practices in a Complex Environment 123

11 Creativity, Poetry, and Music 128

12 Creativity in the Visual and Performing Arts 145

13 Creativity and Science 154

14 Creativity in Health Care and Nutrition 162

15 Creativity, Evolving Technology, and Delivering Information 173

V Holistic Perspective on Creativity 183

16 Embracing Holistic Perspectives of the World 185

17 Causes, Effects, and Multiple Perspectives 192

18 Creativity, Complexity, and Uncertainty 202

VI Creativity and Self-Determination 223

19 Freedom to Create, Humor, and .Self-Preservation 225

20 Creativity, Stress, and Aggression 237

21 Decision Making and Problem Solving 246

VII Creativity and Environment 263

22 The Role of Environmental Factors in Creative Performance 265

23 Creativity, Culture, and Social Movements 279

Conclusion: Making Room for New Perspectives 297

Appendix 303

Index 311

What People are Saying About This

Carmen Maria Sepúlveda

"Brainstorm! opens doors for readers to reconnect with and build their creativity, which brings an enormous energy to continue growing and evolving. Dr. Zbarskaya is an incredibly creative, talented, and sensitive individual who sees everyoneis potential, and helps them find their inner strengths."

Cyril Jacobs

"Never have there been such in-depth analysis and breakdown of the core understanding of the possibilities for the human experience. To understand and tap into one’s potential, and appreciate her/his unique experience and capabilities—or that of others—this book is a must read."

Elina Pales

"A detailed guide to understanding the different ways human creativity works, this book provides readers with fun tools for training their own creative thought, which will enhance their intelligence and their everyday life."

Yelena Doljansky

"This book is a great source for anyone striving to achieve dynamic results, across spheres. It helps maximize your potential, enriches you with multiple creative ideas, and offers outstanding practical exercises to improve your thinking process!"

Gregory Gurevich

"Always finding innovative paths to gain new perspective, Dr. Zbarskaya gives us in Brainstorm! 'universal' guides to overcome obstacles in practically any field of human activity. An amazing book with endless information and research, I highly recommend reading this."

Uchenna Ekwo

"Brainstorm! empowers its readers with critical thinking and problem solving skills needed to survive the vicissitudes of contemporary society. Writing for a wide audience, the author applies cultural intelligence in ways that make the book accessible to an increasingly globalized world."

Carmen Maria Sepúlveda

"Brainstorm! opens doors for readers to reconnect with and build their creativity, which brings an enormous energy to continue growing and evolving. Dr. Zbarskaya is an incredibly creative, talented, and sensitive individual who sees everyone’s potential, and helps them find their inner strengths."

Orit Hirsh

"Creativity is rapidly becoming an important 21st-century skill. But what does it mean to be truly creative and how can you unleash your creativity? In this remarkable book, Dr. Zbarskaya teaches us how to unleash the dormant creativity in our students and in ourselves. This is a must-read for anyone in education or in the field of educational technology."

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