The WCR Model of Creativity. From Concept to Application

The paper reports the attempt to synthesize the main theoretical positions about creative thinking in order to define a coherent framework to be applied in education. Three general mental operations seem to rely on the basis of creativity: widening (W), connecting (C) and reorganizing (R). W concerns the tendency to keep an open mind and to deal with a great number of elements. C refers to the capacity to establish relationships among different elements and to combine them in unusual ways. R consists of changing the perspective and inverting relationships among elements. The model of creativity resulting from the integration of W, C and R: (i) inspired the investigation of the folk conceptions of creativity; (ii) was the basis of a test to measure creative thinking skills; and (iii) was the foundation of a training programme aimed at enhancing such skills in children. The instruments which were devised on the basis of the WCR model are described and some results coming from their application in educational settings are reported.