Introduction

Stereotyping academic writing as an activity far from creativity is unfair. Creativity is not restricted only to literature, e.g., novels, plays, poems, and short stories. However, this is the common misconception restraining academic writers subconsciously. To destroy this myth, Michigan University developed an exercise boosting the creativity of mechanical engineering students. Surprisingly, when applying the same exercise to academic writing, it proves to be a huge success. It stretches the creativity muscles of the brain to produce ideas effortlessly. Despite its simplicity, it has been effective in generating creative ideas smoothly. It is highly advisable to complete the entire exercise in a single session to achieve maximum effect. Nevertheless, the cycle can be repeated as needed.    

Step 1: Select an Item and List Purposes 

Participants are divided into groups. Each group picks one object in the room and lists ten common purposes of this object, e.g., water bottles, chairs, tables, sheets of paper, doors, lights, etc. The list can exceed 10 purposes when needed. For instance, a ceramic coffee mug can be used for holding drinks, baking muffins or cupcakes, drawing circles using its rim, keeping coins, holding pencils, planting flowers, holding scented candles, scooping flour, serving as a temporary vase, and holding water for rinsing paintbrushes. Groups select items based on preferences and purposes, which should be brainstormed and selected based on consensus among the team members. When finalized, groups move to the next step.    

Step 2: Select an Unusual Purpose and Specify Modifications Needed

At this stage, members of every group select one unusual use of their item and identify modifications needed to serve this unusual purpose. The ceramic coffee mug, for example, can be used as an emergency doorstop. To make this use possible, the mug should be filled with some solid material such as cement or plaster. Then, it has to be glued to the floor using some adhesive material or cement. Finally, it has to be wrapped with rubber to absorb strikes coming from the door and make it more resistant. When done with both steps, a representative from every group shares answers with others for questions and reflection.

Applicability to Academic Writing

This exercise trains participants on the concept of versatility and diversity. When listening to the answers of other groups, they recognize a different angle, revealing a part that they have never perceived previously. Furthermore, they practice defending their argument when asked about modifications and purposes, either to modify answers accordingly or prove their point concretely. The same exercise can be applied to areas of academic interests based on participants sharing in the exercise. It even helps them foster collective agreement over a specific point to work on it in a joint project.  

Conclusion

Academic writing is not a rigid activity where only solid facts are shared. It is an activity with a huge room for creativity when practiced effectively. Therefore, the current exercise is introduced to help academic writers unleash their creativity and boost their academic ideas in groups.