Teaching Creative Problem Solving in Minnesota High Schools: Educational Outreach Through College in the Schools (CIS)
Team: Emily Hanson, Brad Hokanson, faculty coordinator
College In the Schools (CIS) is a University of Minnesota program offering college courses at no cost to qualified high school students. Active in over 140 high schools, students earn college credit and improve their likelihood of attending secondary education. This year, four high schools in the metropolitan area offered Creative Problem Solving (DES 1111) to academically prepared and motivated juniors and seniors. This is the only design course offered through CIS.
Courses are taught by current high school teachers, vetted by CIS, and trained by a university faculty member. Every offering of the course also includes multiple visits by the faculty supervisor. Each year, students from all schools also visit campus with presentations from department faculty. This year 140 students attended from Benilde, Anoka, Minnetonka, and AFSA high schools.
Student performance in the course was compared with the parallel university course using the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. Scores were comparable or better in the high school offerings. A summary of results illustrates substantial gains in creativity.
Examples of student work from various schools illustrate the course. Projects generally follow the on-campus syllabus but experienced teachers also build upon the structure in diversifying their assignments.
Keywords: creativity, outreach, college in the schools, concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment
Other Collaborators:
Kelli Rahn, Benilde-St. Margarets High School
Chris Bowman, Anoka High School
Jonathan Maki, Minnetonka High School
Laura Nelson, Academy For Science and Agriculture
Todd Hunter, Anoka High School
