CONTACT: Andy Bowen

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Jan. 2, 2007

 

Destination ImagiNation’s creative processes earn praise

In research supported by National Center for Education

 

Time Magazine article “How to build a student for the 21 st Century”

Cites need to develop creative problem solving as critical skill

 

GLASSBORO , NJ – Destination ImagiNation Inc.’s team-based creative problem solving processes can help youth become more successful in the workplace of the future and should be considered for application in the nation’s classrooms, a research paper posted on the website of The National Center for Education and the Economy concludes.

In a 59-page scholarly examination of American creativity entitled “Sources of Innovation and Creativity: A Summary of Research,” author Karlyn Adams of the University of Pennsylvania asserts that the U.S. educational community’s support of a creative renaissance in the American classroom will equip tomorrow’s leaders with the skills necessary for great achievement in the 21 st Century.

Adams’ report commending Destination ImagiNation was posted on the NCEE’s website along with seven other scholarly examinations of how America can enhance the global competitive posture of American workers and managers in years to come.

In her report’s conclusion, Adams recommends educators review the team-based creative problem solving processes used by Destination ImagiNation’s challenges to youth worldwide, and “consider which aspects of this program could be integrated into classroom practice.”

“We’ve known for a long time the wonderful difference we’ve made in the lives of millions of youth who have taken part in our creative team challenges over the years,” said Bob Purifico, President of Destination ImagiNation Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Glassboro, NJ. “They approach life and its challenges more confidently, more boldly, and better equipped to work with others to eagerly find solutions to just about any tough problem that they’ll face in their lifetime.”

TIME MAGAZINE ARTICLE

Adams ’ research reaches some of the same basic conclusions as a Time article published in the newsmagazine’s Dec. 18 issue entitled “How to Bring Our Schools Out of the 20 th Century.” In the story, reporters examine successful school systems worldwide, and suggest that U.S. teachers should put “greater emphasis on teaching kids to collaborate and solve problems in small groups and apply what they’ve learned in the real world … research shows that kids learn better that way than with the old chalk-and-talk approach.”
Throughout her research report, Adams has high praise for Dr. Don Treffinger and the Center for Creative Learning, an organization based in Sarasota, FL that has helped Destination ImagiNation Inc. focus its programs on the process associated with creativity and problem solving.

The NCEE and its New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce receive support from some of America’s leading foundations, including:

• The Annie E. Casey Foundation
• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Lumina Foundation for Education
• The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

For more information, visit www.destinationimagination.org; or www.skillscommission.org. then click on “Sources of Innovation and Creativity: A Summary of the Research.”