Disney Creative Strategy

The Disney Creative Strategy: Fusing Imagination and Planning

Skill Descriptions: Just as Walt Disney turned his dream into a reality, so can students. This strategy that was developed by Robert Dilts to model thinking strategies of successful people.

Procedures: There are three steps in this strategy: “Dreamer: This is the visionary big picture is produced. With no boundaries, limitations or restraint. The dreamer position typically uses the visual representation. Ask yourself "What do I really want, in an ideal world" Realist: This is where the plans are organised, and evaluated to determine what is realistic. Think constructively and devise an action plan. Establish time frames and milestones for progress. Make sure it can be initiated and maintained by the appropriate person or group. Ask Yourself "What will I do to make these plans a reality?" Critic This is where you test the plan, look for problems, difficulties and unintended consequences. Think of what could go wrong, what is missing, what the spins-offs will be. Remember that a critic is someone who should evaluate - not just point out what is wrong. Ask yourself ‘What could go wrong?’” (2010, Mycotes).

Lesson Activities: I would allow my students to use this strategy when I ask them to create something. These three steps are very important and can have positive effects on student learning. Allowing them to dream about something, but then they have to critically think about how they can make their dream into a reality.

References: 2012., The Disney creative strategy. MindTools. Retrieved on November 16, 2012            from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCT_85.htm. 2010., Disney creativity strategy. Mycoted. Retrieved on November 16, 2012            from http://www.mycoted.com/Disney_Creativity_Strategy.