How to be a creative thinker | Carnegie Mellon University Po-Shen Loh
Education
Introduction
In the past, education focused primarily on helping students learn how to complete homework and prepare for exams. However, with the rise of technology and advancements like ChatGPT, it's become essential for learners to develop their ability to evaluate and assess information critically. The role of a learner is now transforming from merely solving problems to being able to navigate through and understand solutions.
Po-Shen Loh, a mathematician, math professor at Carnegie Mellon University, social entrepreneur, and the national coach of the US International Math Olympiad team, emphasizes that the current educational landscape must shift toward fostering original thinking rather than rote memorization. He believes that students should learn how to think creatively and tackle problems they've never encountered before.
To illustrate this point, Loh presents an intriguing puzzle involving six matchsticks that can be arranged to form four equilateral triangles. While many would start arranging them flat on the surface, the true challenge requires thinking outside the confines of traditional space, using a pyramid structure instead. This exemplifies the kind of mental flexibility and creativity he hopes to cultivate in students.
Loh's teaching experiences range from coaching elite students on the International Math Olympiad team to filling in gaps in educational resources at local schools with minimal math instruction. He recognizes that traditional testing methods evaluate whether students have practiced specific problems rather than fostering genuine problem-solving skills.
Addressing the current test-preparation industry's focus on cramming and preparing students for likelihood of specific questions, Loh articulates a need for a different approach. He asserts that the best education should prioritize learning how to think flexibly, preparedness to tackle novel problems, and developing analytical skills before initiating repetitive practices.
Ten years ago, Loh conceived an idea for a platform that would provide free math and science explanations to anyone interested. After navigating various iterations of this concept, he recognized that students crave a live human connection with knowledgeable tutors. To fulfill this demand, he created a unique ecosystem where passionate individuals, including skilled actors with drama expertise, help coach high schoolers while also learning valuable communication skills themselves.
This mutually beneficial arrangement aims to empower not only students striving to understand math concepts but also those who thrive in fields of theater and communication. Loh’s philosophy underscores that educational initiatives should always be positioned as advantageous for students, emphasizing personal growth and tangible success.
Fundamentally, Loh believes in the importance of real-world engagement. Through his travels across cities, where he would host math talks in public parks, he was able to connect directly with thousands of parents and students. These interactions served as vital feedback, uncovering pain points and helping drive the innovations he now implements in his educational programs.
As technology evolves, it is crucial for learners to adapt and cultivate skills that distinguish them in a dynamic workforce. Loh's foundational principle states that one must continuously challenge oneself to foster creativity, cultivating a mindset that prioritizes original thought over mere repetition.
Ultimately, he reinforces that the future of education in an AI-driven world will require individuals capable of creating value, possessing critical thinking skills, and finding inventive solutions to unprecedented challenges. The goal is to empower students such that they become self-sufficient learners who do not rely solely on structured classroom environments but know how to seek and gain knowledge on their own.
To summarize, Po-Shen Loh advocates for an educational framework that prioritizes creative problem-solving and flexible thinking. By recognizing the inherent value of interdisciplinary connections and direct real-world interactions, he presents a progressive vision for nurturing the next generation of thinkers.
Keywords
- Creative thinking
- Problem-solving
- Po-Shen Loh
- Education
- Mathematics
- Flexible thinking
- AI
- Ecosystem
FAQ
Q: What is the main educational philosophy promoted by Po-Shen Loh?
A: Loh advocates for a shift in education from rote memorization and test preparation toward fostering creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to tackle novel challenges.
Q: How does Po-Shen Loh illustrate the concept of creative thinking?
A: He provides a puzzle involving six matchsticks arranged to form four triangles, emphasizing the need for thinking outside conventional boundaries.
Q: What is the unique ecosystem that Po-Shen Loh has developed?
A: Loh has created a system that connects skilled individuals, including actors, to coach high school students, enriching their communication skills while helping others learn.
Q: Why does Loh believe community engagement is vital to education?
A: Through public interactions and connecting directly with parents and students, he identifies key challenges in education and designs solutions that directly address those pain points.
Q: What does Loh see as the future necessity for learners?
A: He emphasizes the need for learners to cultivate critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills to thrive in an AI-driven workforce where conventional knowledge may no longer suffice.