Orientation Session for the Odyssey of the Mind (OOTM) Program

As part of Ahlcon’s ongoing commitment to 21st-century skill development through project-based learning, an orientation session was conducted for the International Creative Problem-solving Program, Odyssey of the Mind (OOTM) on Friday, 6^th September 2024. This program is a crucial aspect of our educational approach, designed to foster creativity, innovation, and out-of-the-box thinking among our students.

The Odyssey of the Mind is a globally recognized program initiated by Dr. C. Samuel Micklus (Dr. Sam) in 1978. It originated from the idea of encouraging students to solve problems creatively and innovatively. The orientation session introduced students to the core objectives of OOTM, emphasizing its alignment with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and experiential learning. The program is designed to nurture divergent, independent thinking and real-life problem-solving skills. Students were introduced to a wide variety of challenges, ranging from designing mechanical devices to creating artistic interpretations of literary works.

Key elements discussed during the session included:

– Open-ended problem-solving: Students will be tasked with challenges that do not have a single correct answer, allowing for creativity and multiple approaches to solutions.

– Team-based learning: Collaboration is at the heart of OOTM, where students will work in teams to brainstorm and implement their ideas.

– Critical and creative thinking: The focus is on developing the ability to think outside the box, encouraging students to explore creative solutions and take calculated risks.

– Global Exposure: The opportunity to interact and compete with students from across the globe, providing a broader understanding of diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches.

The OOTM program is instrumental in honing key skills such as communication, teamwork, creativity, and analytical thinking. It prepares students not just for academic success but also for real-world challenges by encouraging them to think creatively and collaboratively.