Synectics is a Greek word that means the joining of different ideas (Dabell, 2018). In teaching, synectics is an instructional strategy that uses metaphor and analogy to stimulate diverse and creative thinking to deepen the understanding of concepts. It can be used successfully in any discipline to reinforce understanding of a concept. John Dabell (2018), an edu-blogger and former primary school teacher, calls synectics “reasoning by analogy” because it uses similes to draw powerful and imaginative comparisons between two seemingly unrelated objects, concepts, processes, or events (para. 3).
While there is an official seven-step process to use synectics (Hogue, 2022), teachers can use a simpler model in the classroom. Begin by ensuring students have a good understanding of the concept or item. Ask them to compare it to something unrelated that you provide. For example, in an accounting class, you might ask, “How is a ledger like a pillow?” Students could respond individually, but small group discussions stimulate more conversation and better responses since the students work off of and build upon one another’s ideas. At first, it may be difficult to solicit responses since they seem unconventional; indeed, they are, and that is the purpose. When people link unrelated ideas, it increases the likelihood of remembering the concept or item.
A ledger is like a pillow because both offer support and contain content to help the individual. In addition, they have a similar shape when the ledger is printed on paper.
In a biology class, you might ask how a microscope is like a paintbrush. Both provide a picture of something and let you see what was previously unseen. A student also needs a good eye to interpret these new pictures.
Synectics engages students in creative and divergent thinking and small group discussion, extending their thinking into new areas. Synectics is also fun. Metaphors and similes help students make connections that anchor their learning.
Students can use tables such as the one below presented by California State University Sacramento, (2007) to practice Synectics.
| Word or concept: | ||||
| Definition: | ||||
| Similar | Feels Like | Opposite | Similar | Synthesis |
References:
Dabell, J. (2018, February 11). The Synectic Model of Teaching. John Dabell. https://johndabell.com/2018/02/11/the-synectic-model-of-teaching/
Hoque, E. (2022, February 22). Synectics: Teaching model for creativity. Educere Center. https://educerecentre.com/synectics-teaching-model-for-creativity/
California State University Sacramento. (2007). Teaching Problem-Solving with Educational Technology. Synectics. https://www.csus.edu/indiv/d/dibblej/233/assignments/233_synectics.htm