Spark Curiosity, Solve Problems, Drive Innovation

Imagine a learner who attends training, listens carefully, and takes notes—but never asks “Why are we doing this?” or “Is there a better way?” Over time, their work becomes routine, engagement drops, and motivation fades.

Now picture the same learner acting with curiosity—asking questions, experimenting with new approaches, and sharing fresh ideas. This time, they’re not just completing tasks; they’re transforming work itself.

Research confirms it: Curiosity enhances learning, strengthens problem-solving, and boosts collaboration. For learning designers, cultivating curiosity isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of meaningful, lasting impact.

The Formula for Creativity

Creativity is less about intelligence and more about attitude and approach. According to Noller’s Creativity Formula, it comes from a blend of:

• Knowledge

• Imagination

• Evaluation

When these elements combine, learners move beyond routine answers to generate innovative solutions.

The FourSight Model of Problem Solving

1. Clarify: Understand the real problem.

2. Ideate: Brainstorm possible solutions.

3. Develop: Refine and select the best ideas.

4. Implement: Put the solution into practice and evaluate results.

Example: Employees may repeatedly request new training modules for customer complaints. But in the “Clarify” stage, you realize the root issue isn’t knowledge—it’s tone of communication. The real solution isn’t another module, but role-play exercises to practice empathy.

Six Strategies to Boost Creativity

• Diverge First: Generate many ideas without judgment.

• Solve the Right Problem: Focus on root causes, not symptoms.

• Extend Your Effort: Go beyond first, familiar ideas—they’re usually clichés.

• POINt Evaluation: Consider Pluses, Opportunities, Improvements, and New thinking.

• Stakeholder Analysis: Anticipate who will support or resist and plan accordingly.

• Allow Incubation: Sometimes the best insights arrive during a walk, a shower, or downtime.

Leveraging AI to Support Creativity

Artificial intelligence can accelerate creative processes by:

• Generating new ideas during brainstorming,

• Offering alternative perspectives,

• Highlighting pros, cons, and unseen angles.

But remember: AI provides suggestions—true creativity begins with people.

EdTech Türkiye’s Perspective

For learning designers, the goal isn’t just to deliver knowledge. It’s to spark curiosity, empower problem-solving, and create space for innovative thinking.

Because innovation doesn’t just happen—it starts with curiosity, grows through collaboration, and becomes lasting when built into the culture of learning.