4 Responses

1. thinking course
   Hi Paul
   The only courses I know in this area are either run by the OU – they have several units covering this or a university with a strong psychology school – many run short courses.

   Good luck
   Mike

2. Conceptual thinking definition
   I have worked for many years in learning design, and confess that this is a new one to me! However if wikipedia has it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conceptual_thinking) it must exist! “a process of independent analysis in the creative search for new ideas or solutions, which takes as its starting point that none of the accepted constraints of “today’s reality” need necessarily to apply to or to shape the future. Thus it does not accept received wisdom, the status quo nor inertia as necessary determinants of every bit of the future.” So it would include elements of what you already do – problem solving, creative thinking, mind (or concept) mapping and so on. It’s linked to de Bono in the article; it sounds like the emphasis is on NEW ideas. Paradigm shift is one of the recommended references. So depending on the audience (would be different for differing levels of an organisation), I would tend to start with the kinds of brief summaries of case studies in creative solutions that the Harvard Business Review does so well, then come back to a process and tools to arrive at innovative solutions, practising with selected ones of their own workplace. It sounds fascinating, so good luck with that!

3. Google It!
   Googled “conceptual thinking” and this was the first item it threw up (not literally, you understand!)

   Looks like there’s a lot of potential ideas for course design:

   http://www.gov.ns.ca/PSC/pdf/InnovationGrowth/resources/MCP/DevelopmentResourceGuide_2005-06/Development%20Resource%20Guide_Conceptual%20Thinking.pdf

   Be well

   Andy B.

4. Possible read…
   Paul

   I would suggest reading a book called “Did you spot the Gorilla – How to recognise hidden opportunities in your life” by Richard Wiseman

   It is not only an entertaining read, but shows discuss how to open up the mind to develop more creative ideas

   May be useful… especially as some things in the book can be transferred easily into the training environment

   Thanks

   Rob

   http://www.amazon.co.uk/Did-You-Spot-Gorilla-Opportunities/dp/0099466430