How TRIZ-based pedagogy helps develop students' out-of-the-box thinking

Contents:

• How TRIZ and TRIZ Pedagogy Came About
• How TRIZ Works: The Basic Idea and Key Concepts
• How TRIZ is Used in Education
• Why TRIZ Is Not Very Popular

In the 20th century, Soviet inventor Genrikh Altshuller developed a theory of inventive problem solving known as TRIZ. This methodology aims to systematize the invention process and solve complex technical problems. Currently, TRIZ is actively used by many leading companies, such as Samsung and LG, which confirms its effectiveness in the field of innovation and new product development. TRIZ helps organizations create unique solutions and improve existing technologies, making it an important tool for achieving competitive advantages in the market.

Despite the significant achievements of TRIZ in large companies, the educational field long ignored this theory. Although the term TRIZ pedagogy was introduced in the 1980s, the real development of this approach only began in the late 2010s. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the implementation of TRIZ in educational processes, which helps develop students' creative thinking and prepare them to solve complex problems. The use of TRIZ in education promotes the development of innovative thinking and the training of future specialists capable of working effectively in a rapidly changing world.

How TRIZ and TRIZ Pedagogy Came About

Altshuller began his work on the theory in 1946 and subsequently devoted his entire life to it. During this period, he analyzed approximately 40,000 patents to identify common features and patterns in the approaches of scientists and inventors to solving problems and generating new ideas. His research became the basis for the creation of the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ), which helps systematize the process of innovative thinking and improves the creative approach to the development of new technologies.

Altshuller noted that every inventor sooner or later faces a situation where there is no clear solution to the problem, and there are too many available options. The founder of the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) came to the conclusion that the most rational approach is to use the resources that are already available. With this approach, the answer to the problem is not only correct but also the most effective. Using existing resources optimizes the solution process and reduces the time spent searching for new solutions.

Altshuller created 40 inventive techniques and 76 standard solutions to inventive problems. Throughout its history, TRIZ developed in isolation from the scientific community: Altshuller's research was rarely peer-reviewed, and he himself did not seek to initiate scientific debate on his theory. Instead, Altshuller focused on developing the concept and conducting training seminars. This allowed him to develop a unique methodology that facilitates the solution of complex inventive problems.

By the late 1980s, TRIZ theory gained popularity both in the USSR and abroad. In 1989, the International TRIZ Association was founded, which facilitated its dissemination and implementation in large companies. Against this backdrop of success, TRIZ pedagogy, based on the methods and principles proposed by the Soviet inventor Genrikh Altshuller, began to develop. TRIZ and TRIZ pedagogy continue to influence innovation processes and educational practices, fostering creative thinking and ingenuity.

Following the collapse of the USSR, interest in the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) in education declined significantly both in Russia and abroad. A 2016 study by Leonid Chechurin and Yuri Borgianni found that TRIZ is mentioned in only two of the 294 courses in the curricula of the top 30 technical universities worldwide, according to the QS World University Rankings. This fact highlights the declining popularity of TRIZ in educational programs, which may negatively impact the training of specialists in the field of innovative technologies and invention.

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STEM professions, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, are becoming increasingly popular both in Russia and abroad. In the modern world, there is a high demand for specialists in these fields, due to the rapid development of technology and the need to introduce innovation in various areas. The most in-demand STEM professions are programmers, engineers, data analysts, and biotechnology researchers.

Competencies particularly valued by employers include skills in working with big data, programming in various languages, knowledge of algorithms, and systems thinking. Project management and interdisciplinary skills are also important, allowing specialists to work effectively in teams and implement complex projects.

Given the global changes in the labor market, STEM specialists have good career prospects and the opportunity to participate in international projects. Therefore, education and skill development in these areas are becoming a priority for both students and professionals striving to remain competitive.

How TRIZ Works: Basic Idea and Key Concepts

The basic concept of TRIZ is to correctly formulate an inventive problem, excluding obviously incorrect or ineffective solutions. The inventor's goal is to achieve an ideal final result (IFR), which preserves all positive aspects, but eliminates harmful or unnecessary qualities, or introduces a new, useful quality. An effective problem formulation significantly simplifies the process of finding innovative solutions and increases the likelihood of success in developing new ideas.

According to the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ), an inventor inevitably encounters contradictions on the way to solving a problem. Genrikh Altshuller identifies three main types of such contradictions, which play an important role in the invention process. Understanding these contradictions allows us to develop effective strategies for overcoming them and achieving innovative solutions.

• administrative — when it is necessary to improve the system, but there is no right to do so;
• technical — when improving one part of the system worsens another part;
• physical — when, according to the author of the theory, "to improve the system, some of its parts must be in different physical states simultaneously, which is impossible."

To resolve these contradictions, the inventor uses various resources. Within the framework of the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ), resources are understood to mean practically everything: time, information, space, human resources, energy, and substances. Effective use of these resources allows us to find innovative solutions and overcome limitations, which contributes to the development of new ideas and technologies.

Let's consider an example of a problem and a possible solution based on the principles of the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ). TRIZ provides methodologies for finding innovative solutions, allowing for a systematic approach to problem solving. Using this concept, contradictions can be identified and effective ways to resolve them can be found, which facilitates the creation of new ideas and technologies. The application of TRIZ is beneficial not only in engineering but also in various fields such as business, design, and science. It is important to understand how TRIZ principles can be adapted to solve specific problems, making this approach a versatile tool for achieving success in various fields.

If you manage a fast-food restaurant, you've likely encountered the problem of customer congestion during rush hour. This is especially difficult for those waiting in line at self-service kiosks. The problem is exacerbated when tables cannot be rearranged or their number reduced. To improve the customer experience, it's worth considering ways to optimize the flow of people and organize the space, which will help reduce dissatisfaction and improve the overall efficiency of service in your restaurant.

Checkout staff become overloaded, making the use of human resources ineffective. In this situation, the idea arises to install terminals outside the restaurant, near the entrance. This solution will optimize customer service, reduce wait times, and improve the overall efficiency of the establishment. Installing terminals at the entrance will not only simplify the ordering process but also create convenience for visitors, which will ultimately increase customer satisfaction.

While in a shopping center, you may encounter an administrative problem. You pay rent for a specific space, and long lines at the entrance can cause customer dissatisfaction. If the entrance to the establishment were located from the street, this would create additional difficulties during the cold season. In winter, people tend to prefer to order indoors, which emphasizes the importance of easy access to the establishment.

As you assess the premises, you notice that there is a significant amount of free space opposite the terminals, which is currently being used inefficiently. This space can be used to install additional terminals. However, you soon realize that such a solution could lead to new technical problems. Increasing the number of terminals can lead to a lack of space, as a result of which streams of people from different lines will begin to interfere with each other, creating inconvenience for customers.

One effective solution to this situation is to transfer the self-service system to customers' smartphones. This will allow them to automatically connect to Wi-Fi upon entering the establishment and open the menu for ordering. This will allow customers to order food anywhere in the establishment, helping to avoid queues and improve service quality. This approach will not only enhance customer comfort but also streamline the service process, making it more modern and convenient.

How TRIZ is Used in Education

TRIZ, originally developed as a tool for engineers, is now actively used in a wide variety of areas, including work, everyday life, and family issues. For example, if you are struggling to achieve a balance between your personal life and career, you can use TRIZ principles to formulate this problem. By identifying key resources and identifying contradictions, you can effectively overcome these difficulties. TRIZ's flexibility and practical focus make it a universal tool for solving various problems, underscoring its relevance in the modern world.

The teacher identifies five key principles of teaching within the TRIZ concept. These principles are aimed at developing creative thinking and innovative abilities in students. The first principle is to develop the ability to analyze problems and find innovative solutions. The second principle emphasizes the importance of a systems approach to learning, which allows students to see the connections between different areas of knowledge. The third principle focuses on the use of game methods and modeling, which makes the learning process more engaging and effective. The fourth principle emphasizes the need for constant practice and the application of acquired knowledge in real-world situations. The fifth principle focuses on the development of critical thinking, which allows students to consciously approach problem solving and evaluate alternatives. These principles form the basis for creating an effective educational environment conducive to innovative thinking.

• The principle of knowledge integrity. To develop a holistic worldview in students and an understanding of the connections between objects and phenomena.
• The principle of developing creativity. Encourage independent thinking and the desire to go beyond the standard framework, rather than the memorization of facts and rules.
• Knowledge through creativity. Teach students to solve non-standard problems in practice—research, experiment, and design.
• The student is the subject of learning. The author formulates two aspects of this principle. The first is: "The student has the right to their own interests, opinions, and ambitions," meaning they actively participate in the educational process. The second aspect is: "The student shares responsibility for the results of their learning." This means that it is important for the teacher to develop student independence, allowing them to make choices and decisions.
• The principle of the priority of thinking methods. Anatoly Gin recommends equipping students with TRIZ tools and practicing their use in practice.

The theory actively incorporates various techniques aimed at developing innovative thinking, such as brainstorming and critical analysis. These approaches facilitate deeper problem analysis and the search for creative solutions. The integration of such methods allows us to expand the horizons of thinking and find new ways to achieve goals, which is especially important in the modern world, where innovation plays a key role.

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Why is the sea dirty? Phenomenon-based learning as a way to solve real problems. Marine pollution has become a pressing issue requiring attention and action. Phenomenon-based learning offers a unique approach to exploring this problem, allowing students to explore real-world situations facing our society. This learning method helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging students in the process of analysis and solution discovery. Sea and ocean pollution has implications not only for the environment but also for the economy, human health, and sustainable development. By using pollution as a framework for learning, students gain a deeper understanding of its causes and consequences. They explore the impact of human activity on the marine ecosystem and learn about various sources of pollution, such as plastic, chemicals, and wastewater. Phenomenon-based learning also promotes the development of social skills, such as teamwork and communication. Students become active participants in the search for effective solutions, which can lead to initiatives to clean up water bodies, develop environmentally friendly technologies, and raise public awareness of the importance of preserving the marine environment. Thus, using phenomena such as marine pollution in the educational process not only helps students understand the seriousness of the problem but also inspires them to take action. This is an important step toward creating a cleaner and safer future for the oceans and for all of humanity. TRIZ pedagogy has the significant advantage of allowing children to learn from an early age. This approach does not require children to have reading or writing skills. As Anatoly Gin notes, even young children are capable of mastering creative thinking skills and solving open-ended problems. The TRIZ methodology is universal and suitable for all ages. For example, the Open School in St. Petersburg offers an elective course on TRIZ, inviting both children and adults. This creates an educational environment in which everyone can develop their ideas and find innovative solutions.

Why TRIZ Isn't Very Popular

Although TRIZ theory has been successfully implemented in several large companies, its popularity in the business environment is significantly inferior to the Lean management concept. TRIZ, aimed at solving creative problems and innovative development, has failed to gain the same widespread recognition as Lean, which emphasizes process optimization and waste reduction. This may be due to the fact that Lean offers more understandable and practical tools for improving efficiency, making it more attractive to organizations seeking to quickly realize results.

The main drawback of the TRIZ concept is its insufficient focus on the market and customer needs. In other words, many of the problems that TRIZ solves most effectively have little connection to the company's commercial benefits. This limits the application of TRIZ methods in business and complicates the integration of innovative solutions into commercial processes, which can negatively impact the competitiveness of organizations. It is important to adapt TRIZ approaches to more closely align with market requirements and customer expectations, thereby maximizing the potential of this methodology for achieving business goals.

One of the significant problems of TRIZ theory is the lack of a clear distinction between approaches and methodologies for different areas, which leads to the neglect of their unique characteristics. Despite the wide range of tools proposed by Altshuller and his followers, these methods are not always applicable to all business models and industries. This limitation calls into question the universality of TRIZ and requires a revision of existing approaches for more effective application across various industries. The need to adapt TRIZ tools to the specific conditions of each field is becoming a key aspect for increasing their effectiveness and relevance in the modern world.

The factors influencing the popularity of TRIZ pedagogy also have their drawbacks. Despite experimentally confirmed data showing that TRIZ promotes increased novelty and diversity of solutions, this method can lead to a decrease in the overall number of ideas generated. It is important to consider these aspects when introducing TRIZ pedagogy into the educational process in order to optimally utilize its potential and minimize negative consequences.

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Study additional materials on this topic.

Observations and experiments Experiments play a key role in the educational process, surpassing traditional textbooks and tests. They provide students with the opportunity to interact with the real world, which promotes a deep understanding of the concepts being studied. Hands-on experiences and observations allow theoretical knowledge to be tested in practice, leading to a more solid assimilation of the material.

Textbooks, although containing important information, can limit understanding, as they present facts in a static form. Experiments, on the other hand, develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential skills in the modern world. By conducting experiments, students learn to formulate hypotheses, collect data, and draw conclusions, which contributes to the development of their scientific approach.

Furthermore, observations and experiments help develop creativity and innovative thinking. Students encounter real-world problems and seek solutions, which contributes to their personal and professional growth. Ultimately, an emphasis on hands-on learning through observation and experimentation makes the educational process more effective and memorable, which in the long term improves the knowledge and skills of future specialists.

One of the main shortcomings of TRIZ pedagogy, like many other modern approaches, is the lack of clear standards and metrics for assessing learning effectiveness. The difficulty lies in the fact that it is not always clear how exactly to evaluate ideas and their quality. The most original solutions often require lengthy analysis, which requires significant time and highly qualified teachers. It is important that teachers constantly strive for self-improvement in order to successfully apply these methods in the educational process.

Many of TRIZ's shortcomings can be viewed more as temporary flaws than shortcomings of the theory itself. Given modern trends aimed at human-centered learning, the development of systems thinking, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world, TRIZ can be considered one of the most promising theories in the educational environment of the future. We are likely to see a renewed surge of interest in this methodology, which underlines its relevance and importance for modern educational practices. TRIZ can become an important tool for developing innovative thinking and creativity in students.

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