Analogical and Selective Thinking in Science: The Use of the Selective Problem Solving in Science Courses

• Main Authors: Abidin Kılıç, M. Bahadır Ayas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Turkish Journal of Giftedness and Education 2017-12-01
• Series: Turkish Journal of Giftedness and Education
• Subjects: Analogical thinking; selective thinking; selective problem solving; creative problem solving
• Online Access: http://tuzed.org/publications/cilt7/2/tuzed_2017_7_2_kilic&ayas.pdf
• ISSN: 2146-3832; 2146-3832

Problem solving can be considered as an integral part of our everyday life. Some of the solutions produced to the problems can be evaluated in the context of creativity in terms of being unique, novel and inspiring new ideas, whereas others are ordinary. In fact, according to some researchers, creativity is defined as problem solving process. Along with many problemsolving approaches, the use of analogies that result in inventions or discoveries in areas such as science and mathematics, is a frequently used method. In this study, Selective Problem Solving (SPS) model, a creative problem-solving model developed by Sak (2011), was examined in detail and applied the science. SPS is a problem-solving model developed to help students to improve their creative problem-solving skills and to provide transferable knowledge to different problem situations. The model focuses on analogical thinking and selective thinking skills. The theoretical background of SPS model is based on Polya's (1957) problem solving model, Davidson and Sternberg’s (1984) insightful thinking model and research findings in the field of creativity.