Creative Problem Solving

Town of Barrington Public Library, 281 County Rd, Barrington, RI | Get Directions »
FREE

Join Roberta Segal at the Library on Wednesdays, October 10, 17 & 24 at 7:00 PM in her interactive seriesCREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING: Thinking Out of the Box. 

Roberta describes her course below:
  “The only true voyage of discovery is not to go to new places, but to have other eyes.”   Proust 

Do creative thinkers follow a pattern, or are they just individualists? Do they often go against the tide? As have limitations and losses, can we approach problem solving with what has been tried and true?

In this course, we will suspend deductive thinking and encourage lateral thought. We learn a process that gives us the skills to think creatively. As we explore the creative process in others, the myths surrounding our own creativity disappear. We look at innovative minds and approaches in many disciplines. Are there commonalities in thought between Charlie Chaplin and Thomas Edison? Da Vinci and Einstein? Then,we pose a situation and, using the methodology we are developing, as a group discuss possible solutions. We will have a great deal of fun while we develop comfort with this thinking process and establish confidence in the application of this thinking to personal decision-making.

Format: Workshop members will have the opportunity to suggest topics to be included, and they may be asked to present and/or lead a creative problem-solving group.

Facilitator: The workshop will be facilitated by Roberta Segal, who has given this course at BCLIR several semesters.  Roberta is currently an artist living in Warren.  Her career has included owning her own creative marketing firm for over two decades, the editor of a newspaper and teaching.The workshop is based on a course given at BCLIR, the independent lifelong learning program. BCLIR is an independent, not-for-profit, peer-run organization in Rhode Island. Its mission is to provide a diverse population of mature adults with varied opportunities for lifelong learning — seminars, lectures, cultural events and social activities — in a pleasant, accessible environment at a reasonable cost. Who are BCLIR members? Active, intellectually curious adults from many career paths.  A flexible schedule and a love of learning are the only prerequisites.  Members plan and participate in peer-led classes and a variety of activities that offer academic challenges.

This workshop will be held in the Library's auditorium. These programs are free and open to all.