Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop the habit of thinking in a more creative way. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit applies to individuals who need to develop and extend their critical and creative thinking skills. Creative thinking involves looking at things differently, musing, testing, experimenting and challenging existing thought patterns. Creative thinking can take place anywhere - at home, at work, lying in bed at night, in the shower or on the bus. It can be applied to any type of issue or situation. When used effectively it can assist with the improvement of existing, or the development of entirely new or innovative services, products or processes. Sometimes creative thinking may pay off in a seemingly unconnected way at a future time and in an apparently unrelated context. Creative thinking can be learnt and applied through thoughtful application of skills related to observation, analysis, reflection, problem solving, evaluation and critical appraisal. Effective use of creative thinking skills opens up new opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Develop a questioning mindset |
1.1. Develop the habit of asking questions from different perspectives 1.2. Take responsibility for exploring a variety of information sources to provide relevant answers to own questions 1.3. Sort through information and ideas to identify the central questions, issues and challenges 1.4. Challenge preconceptions and assumptions to determine actual constraints in defining a problem for resolution |
2. Generate ideas and responses |
2.1. Explore and use a range of creative thinking techniques to generate ideas and responses 2.2. Muse on, play around with and have fun with ideas in relation to a perceived objective 2.3. Identify and challenge blockers to creative thinking 2.4. Consider and explore realities beyond the current situation 2.5. Evaluate, and where appropriate, challenge existing boundaries to determine perceived or actual constraints 2.6. Show willingness to take risks with ideas and thought processes 2.7. Look around in familiar and unfamiliar places for new inspiration and habitually record observations, experiences, ideas and reflective thoughts to broaden personal knowledge base 2.8. Acknowledge and accept the opportunity for revelation when least expected 2.9. Identify connections and associations from things that seem unconnected |
3. Challenge, test and re invent ideas |
3.1. Identify, interrogate and challenge the assumptions behind ideas 3.2. Experiment with variations, and explore and challenge a range of different solutions and ideas 3.3. Consciously change perspectives, and evaluate ideas and situations in new ways 3.4. Where appropriate, involve others in ideas and how they might change or be improved |
4. Enhance creative thinking skills |
4.1. Consciously challenge and question own thought patterns and ways of responding to work and life situations 4.2. Identify and take opportunities to self-assess and to learn about new ideas and different ways of thinking 4.3. Take opportunities to practise and experiment with creative thinking techniques across work and life situations 4.4. Pro-actively talk to others about ways that new ideas and patterns of thinking can be encouraged and developed |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the following is essential:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure:
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Method of assessment |
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
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Guidance information for assessment |
Creative thinking always occurs in a specific context. Therefore holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is highly recommended. Assessors must, however, retain a strong focus on the creative thinking skills as described in this unit. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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Questions may include: |
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Different perspectives may be those of: |
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Creative thinking techniques may include: |
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Blockers to creative thinking may be: |
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Existing boundaries may relate to: |
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Risks with ideas and thought processes might involve: |
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Familiar and unfamiliar places may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Competency field
Competency field |
Creativity and Innovation - Creative Thinking |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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