Creative Thinking in University: Definition and Examples

University is a great ground to enhance creative thinking skills. During your study, you will face some challenges or situations that require you to be creative. While dealing with the challenges, your creativity will be sharpened. In fact, there are many ways you can be creative in university. Let’s explore more about this with some examples!  

Definition and Types 

In brief, creative thinking is the ability to think in both new and original ways. It involves moving out from traditional ideas and creating alternative solutions. Creativity itself is considered as an act of problem-solving skills. Hence, we can say that creative thinking is a skill.  

Yes, being creative is not something that you get as a natural “gift.” Instead, you can learn and practice it during your study, from performing in teamwork at your university, to executing sophisticated projects. 

Moreover, creative thinking comes in several types. What are they? 

• Lateral Thinking 

Lateral thinking involves exploring new ideas, thinking creatively, and avoiding clichés. 

• Divergent Thinking 

Divergent thinking means you are exploring multiple perspectives with flexibility, fluency, and originality to solve a problem. 

• Systems Thinking 

Systems thinking is when you identify an interrelation between things and viewing them from a 360-degree perspective. 

• Aesthetic Thinking 

Aesthetic thinking is about visual or spatial thinking with structure, colours, and composition to create aesthetic beauty. 

• Abstract Thinking 

As the name suggests, abstract thinking is the way you think of objects, principles and experiences that may not be physically present. 

• Inspired Thinking 

Inspired thinking is when you get inspired by great personalities or insightful thoughts. 

• Design Thinking 

Design thinking involves applying the right strategy to the process of design. 

Undoubtedly, creative thinking is a valuable skill for university students. This skill is essential to help you look at problems and situations from a fresh perspective. It is a way of applying the right strategies to clear your mind. Eventually, your thoughts and ideas will be a way of moving beyond barriers. 

Examples of Creative Thinking in University 

There are countless opportunities for creative thought in university, from obvious artistic works to highly technical ones.  

Artistic Creativity  

You do not have to be an artist to create any work with an artistic element. Artistic creativity in university can be seen in numerous ways.  

For instance: 

• Decorate the auditorium for an event 
• Redesign the classroom with classmates 

Creative Problem-solving Skills 

Creative problem-solving skills in university stand out as an innovative approach. For instance, you come up with innovative solutions with your teammates for solving a problem in scheduling your study together. 

STEAM and Creativity  

Even if you are in science or engineering field, you must be creative. Yes, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) subjects require you to find innovative solutions. This also means that creativity is not bound to the arts alone. 

For instance: 

• Designing a more efficient assembly line robot 
• Writing an innovative new computer program 
• Developing a testable hypothesis with creativity 

With some examples above, we know that using creative thinking in different situations can help you achieve better results. Even better, it will help you complete simple and important tasks creatively.  

Easy Tips to Enhance Your Creative Thinking Skill 

As we mentioned above, being creative is not something that you get as a natural “gift.” In this context, you can actually enhance your creative thinking skill. How? 

Here are some easy tips you can follow! 

Sleep on Your Problems  

Yes, you read it right!  

Over the years, many studies have found that Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep cycle boosts our creativity and problem-solving abilities. Most importantly, it provides us with innovative ideas or answers to some problems when we awaken. So, you can try to keep a pen and paper by the bed. Then, when you are awake, you can write down your nocturnal insights you got from your sleep. 

Exercise Regularly 

Some researchers have indicated that exercise stimulates creative thinking. Even better, regular exercise can boost your brainpower for a few hours. 

Read More 

Reading newspapers or books will give you more knowledge that you can use as creative ideas in some situations.  

Free Your Mind 

Daydreaming has been found to be an essential part that helps in generating new and innovative ideas. So, if you are feeling stuck on a problem or creatively blocked, try to think about something else for a while. 

Keep Learning 

Learning something new and different from your area of expertise can effectively help you think in new ways. 

Involve in Nerve-racking Situations 

Do not be scared to get yourself in nerve-racking situations sometimes. Fear and frustration can eventually trigger your creative thinking skill. 

Be More Creative with CUST! 

Indeed, the university is a great ground to enhance creative thinking skills. When you study at a big university, like CUST (Capital University of Science and Technology), you can sharpen your creativity further. We provide world-class facilities to help you improve your creative ideas.  

So, are you ready to be more creative?