How to be a Creative Thinker by Po-Shen Loh | Carnegie Mellon University | YouTube inside

Introduction:

In this insightful YouTube review, mathematician and Carnegie Mellon University professor Po-Shen Loh shares his perspective on the evolving role of education and problem-solving. He emphasizes the need for a large-scale approach to foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills, moving beyond traditional methods of rote learning.

How to be a creative thinker at Carnegie Mellon University, Po-Shen Loh’s lecture:

• Curiosity and Play: The first step to being a creative thinker is to be curious and playful. Ask questions, explore new things, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

• Think outside the box: Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and come up with new ideas. The best creative ideas often come from thinking differently.

• Embrace Constraints: Constraints can actually help you be more creative. When you have limited resources or time, you have to be more resourceful and come up with new ideas.

• Think Divergently: Don’t just go with the first idea that comes to mind. Try to come up with as many different ideas as possible, even if they seem silly at first.

• Connect the Dots: Creativity is often about making connections between seemingly unrelated things. Be open to new ideas and experiences, and try to see the world in new ways.

• Take Risks: Don’t be afraid to take risks and fail. Failure is an important part of the creative process. It helps you learn and grow.

• Collaborate: Creativity is often enhanced by collaboration. Work with others who are different from you and who have different perspectives.

• Be Persistent: Don’t give up on your ideas too easily. Keep working at them until you get them right.

• Have Fun: Creativity should be fun! If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’re less likely to be creative.

In addition to these tips, Loh also emphasized the importance of developing a strong foundation in knowledge and skills. He said that creativity is not just about coming up with new ideas, but also about being able to execute those ideas effectively.

Enjoy the Video:

Related Sections for the above video:

• Thinking Outside the Box:
  1. Loh presents a creative thinking exercise with matchsticks, illustrating the importance of thinking beyond conventional solutions.
  2. Highlights the shift from rote learning to problem-solving, urging learners to develop their unique ways of thinking.
• Challenges in Education:
  1. Discusses the limitations of test preparation and cramming, emphasizing the negative impact on students.
  2. Reflects on his diverse teaching experiences, ranging from coaching the International Math Olympiad team to teaching in schools with limited resources.
• The Evolution of Education:
  1. Loh describes his journey in creating an ecosystem that combines math education, drama, and improvisational comedy to make learning a live, human experience.
  2. Addresses the challenges of scalability and the importance of a friendly, expert coach in education.
• The Importance of Learning to Think:
  1. Stresses the significance of teaching students how to think, rather than just providing solutions.
  2. Outlines the curriculum focused on algebra, geometry, combinatorics, and number theory, chosen to develop independent thinking skills.
• Building an Ecosystem:
  1. Loh explains the ecosystem he created, bringing together learners, math enthusiasts, and drama experts in a win-win-win situation.
  2. Shares the journey of creating a platform where high school students learn from Broadway or Hollywood quality actors, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment.
• Scaling Impact:
  1. Discusses the potential scalability of the program, estimating its reach to 100,000 high school students and impacting a million middle school students.
  2. Highlights the unique approach to teaching, aiming to make students independent learners who can tackle any challenge.

Market Size Estimation of Creative Thinkers in SEA:

• Creative industries: The creative industries in Southeast Asia are growing rapidly, with a projected market size of $1 trillion by 2025. This includes sectors such as advertising, design, film, music, and publishing.

• Demand for creativity: There is a growing demand for creativity across all industries, not just in the traditional creative sectors. This is due to the increasing importance of innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking in today’s economy.
• Skills gap: There is a skills gap in Southeast Asia for creative and critical thinking skills. This suggests that there is a potential market for individuals who can develop and demonstrate these skills.

Impact of Creative Thinkers:

Creative thinkers can have a significant impact on the Southeast Asian economy and society in several ways:

• Economic growth: Creative thinkers can drive innovation and entrepreneurship, which can lead to economic growth and job creation.
• Social development: Creative thinkers can help to solve social problems and improve the quality of life for people in Southeast Asia.
• Cultural identity: Creative thinkers can help to shape the cultural identity of Southeast Asia and promote its unique voice on the world stage.

Challenges:

There are also some challenges that need to be addressed in order to fully unlock the potential of creative thinkers in Southeast Asia:

• Education system: The education system in Southeast Asia often does not place enough emphasis on creativity and critical thinking skills.
• Access to resources: Creative thinkers often need access to resources such as funding, technology, and networks in order to be successful.
• Cultural barriers: There can be cultural barriers to creativity and innovation in some Southeast Asian countries.

The market for creative thinkers in Southeast Asia is growing rapidly, and creative thinkers can have a significant impact on the economy and society. However, there are some challenges that need to be addressed in order to fully unlock this potential.

Conclusion:

Loh stresses the significance of independent thinking in a technology-driven world. He encourages viewers to embrace critical and analytical thinking, highlighting its relevance beyond the classroom. Independent thinking enables individuals to adapt, innovate, and flourish amidst constant change. Loh urges viewers to break free from conformity and nurture their independent thinking abilities. He reminds them that independent thinking can be fostered through intellectual curiosity, questioning assumptions, and ongoing learning. In conclusion, Loh’s message emphasizes the indispensability of independent thinking in navigating the complexities of the modern age.

Takeaway Key Points: 

• The shift from rote learning to creative problem-solving is crucial in the modern world.
• A unique ecosystem blending math education and drama can create a scalable and impactful learning experience.
• The importance of teaching students how to think independently and creatively.
• Loh’s vision of success goes beyond financial gains to creating a world where people enjoy being thoughtful.

Related References:

• Po-Shen Loh