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Glite Dictionary
synectics

synectics

9.9
A way of solving problems by putting different ideas together to make new ones
  • noun
  • /sɪˈnɛtɪks/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sinéctica
  • In synectics exercises, students "play" with metaphors until they relax and begin to enjoy using their imagination through metaphoric comparisons.

Examples

  • Tom Gordon (1971) also makes a case in his work on synectics that personal metaphors are a way to get students to think about the familiar and make it strange and different.

    Academic text (2001)

  • The synectics approach encourages creative problem-solving through the combination of unrelated thoughts.

  • Gordon (1971) says that when the logical doesn't work, synectics is designed to lead students into a slightly illogical work.

    Academic text (2001)

  • Some models that are considered include inquiry synectics, advance organizers, jurisprudence, principles of cooperative learning and problem solving, discrepant events, and so forth.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Myoelectrical activity of the external anal sphincter was recorded by one reference and two differential electrodes connected to a bioamplifier and the PC Polygraph HR (Synectics Medical).

    Academic text (2000)

  • Teachers often use synectics to help students generate innovative ideas by linking unusual concepts.

  • In workshops, participants engage in synectics to foster inventive solutions by merging different perspectives.

Synonyms

brainstorming
vssynectics
14 3.0

A group meeting to think of many ideas quickly without judging them

uses cross domain idea connections to guide problem solving rather than free idea flow
ideation
vssynectics
  • Jargon
6 7.9

To think of new plans or solutions for a problem

targets making unusual idea connections rather than general idea development
creative thinking
vssynectics
5 3.7

Thinking in new ways to make things or solve problems

specifically encourages linking unrelated ideas rather than general imaginative work
lateral thinking
vssynectics
1 5.3

A way to solve problems by looking at them from new angles

focuses on linking distant or unrelated ideas to find solutions
out of the box thinking
vssynectics
  • Jargon
1 4.4

To solve problems using new creative ideas

relies on connecting distant ideas rather than being merely unconventional
blue-sky thinking
vssynectics
  • Jargon
1 6.4

A way to find new ideas that ignores practical limits

focuses on forming connections between distant ideas for problem solving
divergent thinking
vssynectics
6.3

A way of thinking that comes up with many different ideas to solve a problem

emphasizes connecting unrelated ideas rather than producing many options
creative learning method
vssynectics
3.8

A way of teaching that uses new ideas and activities to help students learn

applies cross idea linking to solve problems rather than teaching methods

How Creative

synectics
  • Specialized
9.9
brainstorming
14 3.0

Surface Forms

synectics singular
synectics plural

Etymology

The word synectics starts with syn- meaning 'together', as in synchronize, and it suggests 'bringing things together' like the common word connect. So, synectics is a creative method that helps you join different ideas to solve a problem.