Tamara Bertram, our Innovation Training Specialist, recently attended CPSI (Creative Problem-Solving Institute), an annual conference dedicated to exploring and fostering creativity and innovation. It brings together a diverse group of professionals, educators, and innovators to share insights, learn new techniques, and collaborate on solving complex problems using creative methods. The conference includes various workshops, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities, all aimed at enhancing participants’ creative problem-solving skills.
Tamara facilitated a session called, “From Bach to Brainwaves: Music’s Power to Boost Concentration and Imagination”. This session was designed to understand how music can help you focus and spark new ideas. From musical warm-ups to background music set to the right mood, music can enrich any classroom, workshop, or creative problem-solving session. This session is unique as it offers strategies for educators and facilitators to use music in a way that is approachable and easy to implement in any classroom or training situation. With this session, you will learn how to effectively use music to encourage creativity and discover fun ways to incorporate music activities without needing a background in music.
She also attended and completed CPS Level 3: Creative Problem-Solving Facilitation Techniques.
Level 3: Facilitating CPS
Facilitation skills are central to the effective use of CPS, whether in formal meetings or informal brainstorming sessions. This course is designed for those who already know the CPS process in theory and are ready to put it into action as a facilitator. This course uses peer-group practices to prepare participants for working with actual clients. Through this course Tamara learned how to facilitate each step of the CPS process.
Other sessions were all breakout-style in the afternoons, all with different topics. Afternoon sessions offered practical and inspiring models to help attendees assess their work, life, and options for a more satisfying professional path.
- “Life Strategic Planning” tackled common feelings of burnout and provided four mental models to bring clarity and prioritize effective next steps.
- “Why Isn’t Creativity a School Subject?” introduced Create 8, a curriculum addressing the gaps in creativity education and interactive and reflective learning methods.
- “Flightpath”, participants developed strategic plans using Creative Problem Solving (CPS) and business tools.
- “The Hero’s Journey” workshop connected personal creative journeys to the archetypal hero’s journey, offering insights for living a creative life.
- “Solo Genius is a Myth” emphasized the importance of social relationships in creativity, guiding participants to map their social capital for better productivity and well-being.
Each session combined adult learning techniques, interactive strategies, and personalized action plans to enhance engagement and learning outcomes
About the Author: Tamara Bertram is our Innovation Training Specialist here at CFI
Reach out to Tamara! tamara.b@innovators.net