7. Concrete Steps to
Increase Student Critical and Creative Thinking
Presenters: Charles J. F. Leflar, University of Arkansas
Deborah W. Thomas, University of Arkansas
Description: Critical- and
creative-thinking skills are basic to the Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
skills listed by the AICPA as Personal Competencies needed for entry into the
accounting profession. (AICPA Cores Competency Framework, p. 5.) These skills
are in high demand by employers and are beneficial throughout any business
career. This presentation will highlight a segment of a capstone accounting
course for master's students that helps student develop creative
problem-solving skills. Students first access their mental "box"
using four constructs of creative thinking adapted from Ayan (1997)-curiosity,
openness/observation, risk taking, and energy, both physical and mental.
Thinking techniques, classroom activities, and assignments developed for each
construct help students learn practical methods for improving their ability to
analyze problems, generate ideas, and arrive at conclusions. Our presentation
will share activities we have developed that focus on and expand these
creative-thinking skills.
