What is Odyssey of the Mind?
Odyssey of the Mind is a creative, competitive club where students are given a long term problem they have to solve. The solution generally is done as some sort of performance. On top of coming up with a creative solution to the problem the students are given a strict budget that they must use for making/purchasing the props for their performances. In addition to their long term problem, students must also answer spontaneous problems provided to them at the comptition. The spontaneous problems force the students to express their creativity on the fly as they are generally only given three to seven minutes to come up with those problem solution.
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Why Odyssey of the Mind is Good for Kids
The Odyssey of the Mind teaches students to learn creative problem-solving methods while having fun in the process. For more than twenty five years, this unique program has helped teachers generate excitement in their students. By tapping into creativity, and through encouraging imaginative paths to problem-solving, students learn skills that will provide them with the ability to solve problems -- great and small -- for a lifetime. The Odyssey of the Mind teaches students how to think divergently by providing open-ended problems that appeal to a wide range of interests. Students learn how to identify challenges and to think creatively to solve those problems. They are free to express their ideas and suggestions without fear of criticism. The creative problem-solving process rewards thinking "outside of the box." While conventional thinking has an important place in a well-rounded education, students need to learn how to think creatively and productively.
In the Odyssey of the Mind . . .
- Students develop team-building skills by working in groups of as many as seven students per team.
- Students learn to examine problems and to identify the real challenge without limiting the possible solutions and their potential success.
- The creative-thinking process is nurtured and developed as a problem-solving tool.
- Students of all types will find something that will appeal to them.
- The fun of participation leads to an elevated interest in regular classroom curricula.
- Teachers have a program to further provide students with a well-rounded education.
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