About the Course
SUMMARY:
“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” — Mary Lou Cook
Creativity is the hidden motor behind almost everything we do. It enables us to fix a problem at home, make a clever joke among friends, or create and implement a challenging project to meet the needs of our target group. So why don’t we spend more time developing our creative competencies?In this international training course, participants will discover and experiment with various aspects of creativity and problem-solving, adapting these skills to their local contexts and work.
OBJECTIVES:
The main objective of this training course is to develop competencies related to creativity and problem-solving, with a special focus on unlocking personal and group creative potential. Participants will learn tools and methods drawn from various sources, such as artistic creation and design thinking, and adapt them to their contexts and needs to overcome potential blocks and barriers.
METHODOLOGY:
The training course is rooted in the principles of Experiential Learning and Non-Formal Learning, creating a safe yet challenging environment where participants can actively engage and interact. Each participant's local context and work will be central as we explore the practical aspects of creativity.The course will include discussions, interactive activities, creative exercises, group and pair work, presentations, case studies, individual activities, and reflection. Many of the activities will take place outdoors, using the local environment as a resource and tool for learning.
PROGRAMME DAY-BY-DAY:
DAY 1
The first day focuses on introducing the group and the training course. A key element of a successful training course is understanding the group’s needs, dynamics, and the learning space we create together. We will aim to build a challenging, democratic, and secure learning space.In the second half of the day, we will begin exploring creativity, its meaning, and its general principles.
DAY 2
The second day will focus entirely on exploring different aspects of creativity, including its challenges and blockers. We will introduce tools to unlock individual creative potential. A key element of this day will involve identifying our fear of making mistakes and failing, and learning to transform this fear into a celebration of mistakes and failure.
DAY 3
The third day marks the first of three days dedicated to exploring specific areas of creativity tools.This day will focus on artistic creation tools commonly used in the performing arts, such as theater and dance. These tools are particularly effective for unblocking creativity and fostering a playful creative mood. We will work on both individual and group creativity. Throughout the day, there will be constant reflection and discussion about the tools and their effects on us.
DAY 4
The fourth day is dedicated to problem-solving tools and methods. This practical aspect of creativity is often overlooked, yet it is crucial for understanding creative processes in daily work. We will explore individual and group problem-solving processes, with continuous reflection and discussion about the tools and their outcomes.
DAY 5
The fifth day focuses on Design Thinking, a practical and creative problem-solving approach heavily influenced by methods and processes used by designers. Design Thinking is particularly relevant for Learning Experience Design and can be applied to project design and creation. Reflection and discussion on the tools and their effects will be an integral part of the day.
DAY 6
The sixth day concludes the exploration of creativity tools and methods. We will take time to compare and evaluate which tools are most effective for various situations. A strong emphasis will be placed on how participants can implement these tools in their local contexts and work. The course will end with a final evaluation and farewell.
Training usually takes place between
a) 8:30 - 13:30, or
b) 9:30 - 13:00 | 14:30-16:00
Followed by after-class activities, that are optional.
* Changes to the program may occur to better address participants' needs.
Your Trainer
Rodrigo Vilarinho
National and international Trainer since 2004, with mixed background and extensive experience working with children, youngsters and adults. Since 2013, belonging to the Pool of Trainers of the Portuguese National Agency for Youth Erasmus+.
