Implications of Phase Theory

Preparation is an important part of developing creativity in technology education. The environment should be interesting and stimulating. When you enter the technology education facility, it should be attractive and stimulating. Creative and interesting objects associated with technology should be prominently displayed -- models to stimulate thinking, products from field trips, exploded views and cross-sections of machines, examples of creative student work, timelines of inventions, etc. The lab should have an inviting appearance -- a place where students want to be. The environment should stimulate questions, and the physical arrangement of tables and chairs should encourage the discussion and sharing of insights and knowledge about technological problems.

"Having a sufficient variety of information available is also critical for the preparation phase of creativity. Factors related to information resources were ranked as the most important physical facility factors for technological problem solving in secondary technology education programs (Doyle, 1991). A variety of print and non-print media, examples of prior students' reports, access to libraries and databases, the Internet, and bulletin boards containing flow charts and schematics explaining how things are produced are all examples of the types of information that can stimulate a student's curiosity. Creativity doesn't just happen by chance; the prepared environment nourishes it, and chance favors the prepared mind.

The incubation phase occurs after a problem has been worked on consciously. Wallas described this as a period of inactivity in which to relax and allow subconscious connections to surface and new insights to develop. Analogies related to the problem as well as metaphors can stimulate creative solutions to problems. Flexible arrangements of desks and chairs and a quiet area can help to promote incubation. Sufficient time for reflection and keeping a journal to record ideas are also helpful.

The inspiration phase is an important part of creativity. Creativity requires passion and commitment and is fueled by the challenge and excitement of the quest for a creative solution. The "a-ha!" and eureka moments are essential benchmarks along the way. An environment that is inspirational can be encouraged by posting quotes that stimulate and inspire, displaying pictures of inventors and inventions, and providing posters publicizing creative organizations such as the Technology Student Association and Odyssey of the Mind. Stories that stimulate the imagination and inspire people to overcome obstacles can also contribute to establishing a positive environment for creativity.

The verification phase provides an opportunity to determine whether a solution really works, and it is essential that a variety of testing apparatus is available. Measuring devices, software to analyze data, and evaluation tools are important elements of a technology education environment.

In order for a particular creative solution to be useful, the communication phase is necessary. Communication can include presentation, desktop publishing, web development software, displays and a place to construct them, and a place for others to view the creative products that have been developed.

Evaluation and critique occur during the validation phase and are important confirming elements of the creative process. Recognition, reward, and encouragement are also important parts of this phase and help to sustain future creative efforts.