INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING

Exploring Convergent and Divergent Thinking in Education: Finding the Balance

29 September 2023/ By Zineb DJOUB

Convergent and divergent thinking are two thinking styles that represent the dual forces that shape how we learn, solve problems, and navigate the world. Convergent thinking, or pursuing the one correct answer, has long been a cornerstone of traditional education. However, in a world that values creativity, innovation, and adaptability, the harmony of divergent thinking—where multiple outcomes are expected to respond to a posed question — is equally important.

In this blog post, we explore the symbiotic relationship between convergent and divergent thinking in education and discover how to balance these two forces to unlock the full potential of our students.

Convergent vs. divergent thinking

These two key cognitive processes for creative thinking are important skills for student learning in all disciplines.

Convergent thinking is “oriented toward deriving the single best (or correct) answer to a clearly defined question” (Cropley, 2006, p.391). This problem-solving approach is often associated with traditional education and standardized tests, such as multiple-choice exams, spelling tests, math tests, and vocabulary quizzes.

So, convergent thinking aims to identify the most accurate and reliable solution. This accuracy is required in fields such as mathematics, science, and engineering.

It also helps determine students’ mastery of concepts, evaluate and compare their performance within the grading process.

However, unlike convergent thinking, divergent thinking involves the generation of multiple, diverse, and imaginative solutions or ideas in response to a specific problem or challenge.

Japardi et al. (2018) describe it as “the ability to disengage from prevailing modes of thought and expression to generate novel ideas and solutions” (p.59).

So, divergent thinking encourages individuals to explore a wide range of ideas, to think “outside the box” and to come up with innovative ideas and solutions. In addition, it promotes open-mindedness to different perspectives, fostering a culture of inclusivity and receptiveness to new ideas (having non-judgmental attitudes toward others’ suggestions)

Some examples of divergent thinking in education

Brainstorming Sessions: Students generate a variety of creative ideas to solve a particular problem.

Group discussions: In classroom discussions, students are encouraged to share and debate diverse viewpoints.

Creative Writing: Creative writing assignments prompt students to explore their imaginations and produce original stories, poems, or essays.

Debates and argumentative essays: These encourage students to examine issues from multiple angles, considering various arguments and counterarguments.

Project-based learning: Students explore real-world problems, experiment, and innovate to address complex issues.

Art Projects: Art projects allow students to express themselves through various artistic mediums.

Innovative challenges: Some educational programmes incorporate innovation challenges or competitions where students are tasked with developing novel solutions to specific problems.

The balance between convergent and divergent thinking

Students need to develop both thinking styles.

Convergent thinking is necessary to efficiently identify and apply established solutions. Divergent thinking is also important to generate creative and innovative solutions to novel challenges.

Both convergent and divergent thinking, foster critical thinking skills, allowing students to assess situations critically and make informed decisions. A combination of both modes of thinking also helps in generating innovative ideas and identifying the best fit as practical solutions.

Further, effective communication skills require articulating thoughts clearly and persuasively by drawing on structured reasoning (convergent), besides creative expression, and showing empathy and understanding (divergent).

So, education should nurture both convergent and divergent thinking to equip students with a comprehensive set of cognitive skills and abilities that are essential for success in various aspects of life. This will support them to adapt to new information and embrace lifelong learning as they encounter new challenges and opportunities.

It is necessary, therefore, to balance convergent and divergent thinking in education.

But how can educators strike this balance?

Practical tips to balance convergent and divergent thinking in the classroom

Here are some practical tips for educators to encourage the two thinking styles in the classroom:

• Balance between convergent thinking tasks (e.g., grammar tasks with specific solutions) and open-ended tasks that encourage divergent thinking (e.g., creative writing or brainstorming sessions).
• Promote a growth mindset so that students perceive mistakes as learning opportunities for growth and effort as the essence of creativity.
• Raise students’ awareness of both thinking styles by modeling them, and highlighting their value in working on different tasks.
• Encourage questioning where students think critically and explore topics in depth.
• Provide students with opportunities to make choices and self-assess their learning.
• Encourage group work and collaborative projects where students use both convergent thinking (to find specific solutions) and divergent thinking (to come up with new ideas and suggestions).
• Provide access to a variety of learning materials and encourage students to explore topics beyond the standard curriculum.
• Evaluate students’ creativity and critical thinking skills, not just their memorization or convergent thinking abilities. This is by using, for instance, portfolios, open-ended questions in exams, performance-based assessments, and real-world projects.
• Offer constructive feedback that encourages students to improve their thinking processes and refine their ideas.
• Reward students’ creative achievements using exhibitions, showcases, or presentations.

 

Convergent thinking is the beacon of precision and correctness while divergent thinking is the muse of creativity and unlimited possibilities. Yet, in today’s challenging world, educators should balance convergent and divergent thinking to empower students to not only find solutions but also create them. In doing so, they unlock the gateway to a world where possibilities are limitless, and innovation is boundless.

References

Cropley, A. (2006). In praise of convergent thinking. Creativity Research Journal, 18(3), 391-404.

Japardi, K., Bookheimer, S., Knudsen, K., Ghahremani, D. G., & Bilder, R. M. (2018). Functional magnetic resonance imaging of divergent and convergent thinking in Big-C creativity. Neuropsychologia, 118, 59- 67.