Latest news with #problemSolving
Zawya
2 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Brighton College Dubai hosts 2025 UAE Tournament of Minds
United Arab Emirates, Dubai: This past weekend, Brighton College Dubai hosted the UAE regionals of The Tournament of Minds (ToM), an esteemed Australian educational competition designed to enhance pupils' ability to tackle complex challenges through innovative problem-solving. Five schools from Dubai and Abu Dhabi participated in the tournament's latest edition, with over 105 pupils forming 16 teams, fostering a competitive spirit and collaborative environment. Pupils tackled a variety of spontaneous and long-term challenges in global and topical contexts. The participating schools included: American Academy for Girls, Brighton College Dubai, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, The English College Dubai, and Private International English School (PIES) Abu Dhabi. Each school demonstrated their commitment to curiosity, collaboration, and divergent thinking among pupils. After six weeks of intensive preparation and presentations before a judging panel, the winners were announced. In the Social Sciences Primary category, Brighton College Dubai's Brighton Blitz took first place, and The English College's EC Invincibles earned honours. In the STEM Primary category, Private International English School's PIES Primary team secured first place, while Dubai British School Jumeirah Park's Team RAMLLA received honours. In the STEM Senior category, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park's InnovEngineers claimed first place, with honours going to Private International English School's PIES Senior team. In the Social Sciences Senior category, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park's JP Geniuses took first place, while Brighton College Dubai's Andromas Advocates were awarded honours. Sarah Brannon, UAE Director of Tournament of Minds and Head of Prep at Brighton College Dubai commented on the event's success: 'It was fantastic to welcome so many talented and enthusiastic pupils to Brighton College Dubai for this year's Tournament of Minds. The creativity, confidence, and teamwork on display throughout the day were exceptional. The challenges demanded deep thinking and imaginative solutions, and every team rose to the occasion. Congratulations to all who took part – and thank you to the schools, judges, and supporters who helped make the event such a success.' During the competition, teams worked independently for six weeks to develop creative solutions to problems within predetermined parameters and criteria. In the STEM challenge, pupils were asked to focus on a specific aspect of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment. Each team had to devise an innovative device to remove or mitigate their chosen type of plastic pollution, explain what would happen to the collected waste, create a prototype, demonstrate how it works, and produce a scaled drawing of the device. In the Social Sciences challenge, teams addressed a fictional event that caused the continents to move, re-connect, and release the Spirit of ToM. They were tasked with exploring how this would affect the world as we know it and building a 3D model of The New World. Bhadhra Vivek, Grade 7 pupil at Private International English School said, 'The 'Tournament of Minds' urged me to step outside of my comfort zone and taught me the value of fortitude, cooperation, and innovative problem-solving. Despite tight deadlines, difficult assignments, and moments of uncertainty, which were just a few of the difficulties our team had to overcome, we never wavered, but rather helped each other throughout. In addition to assisting me in building my leadership qualities, this experience demonstrated to me what can be achieved when perseverance and passion gleefully unite. Though it feels a dream to have won the national round for the second consecutive year, it is a great honour and pride to grab the opportunity to represent UAE, our second home, at the international level.' The Tournament of Minds is acclaimed for its dynamic educational approach, fostering experimentation and problem-solving among talented pupils in primary and secondary education. Pupils are organised into teams and participate in disciplines such as STEM, The Arts, Language Literature, and Social Sciences. Teams are evaluated on creativity, scientific understanding, technology use, application of STEM principles, design and construction, presentation skills, and overall performance, ensuring a comprehensive assessment. Aligning with international curricula, TOM encourages critical and creative thinking, equipping participants with essential skills for the evolving world. For more information and press enquiries please contact: Plus 1 Communications /madhu@ About Tournament of Minds The Tournament of Minds (TOM) is an Australian educational programme designed for talented and creative students across primary and secondary school education. TOM emphasises a dynamic approach to learning, encouraging students' enthusiasm for experimentation, problem-finding, and problem-solving. Teams of students from various schools form vertical group structures and undertake challenges within specific discipline groups. The programme aligns with international curricula, fostering critical and creative thinking skills in students. About Brighton College Dubai Brighton College Dubai is a co-educational independent school that offers a distinctively British education to pupils aged from three to 18 years old. As the sister school of Brighton College UK, Brighton College Dubai has strong and tangible links to England's 'School of the Decade', as named in the Sunday Times Parent Power League Table 2020. Since launching its purpose-built campus in Al Barsha South in 2018 the College has been crowned by Schools Compared Top School Awards as 'Best New School in the UAE 2018-2024', whilst Which School Advisor credits the College for delivering 'quite possibly the most outstanding early year's practice in the UAE'. In addition, the College was recently graded as 'Very Good' by the KHDA and achieved 'Outstanding' in all areas of a recent British Schools Overseas report and has also celebrated outstanding GCSE and A-Level results. Talk Education describes the College as 'One of the most desirable schools in the city'. Brighton College Dubai is operated by Bloom Education, a Bloom Holding subsidiary, and delivers the highest standard British curriculum in the UAE, as well as inspiring pupils to appreciate and value local heritage and cultural diversity. As well as Brighton College Dubai, Bloom Education operates a Brighton College campus in Al Ain, rated Outstanding by ADEK and another in Abu Dhabi, renowned for its outstanding GCSE and A Level results. For more information please visit: About Bloom Education Bloom Education supports the development of future generations through partnerships with world-class international education brands, owns brand schools and nurseries, and the operation of UAE Charter Schools and New Generation Schools. A pioneer in the Middle East education sector for more than 14 years, Bloom Education has introduced and operated leading American, English and International Baccalaureate curriculum education brands in the UAE market and has provided exceptional educational experiences and opportunities to more than 20,000 students. The partner of choice for international school brand Brighton College, Bloom Education has been entrusted to deliver and sustain the highest international standards locally and has been selected by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to operate the Abu Dhabi Charter Schools programme. Bloom Education has also been chosen by Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE) to operate schools in the Northern Emirates, as part of the 'Ajyal' (new 'generation') school initiative.
Geeky Gadgets
3 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
How Anthropic's Claude 4 is Redefining AI and Human Collaboration
What if the next leap in artificial intelligence wasn't just about faster processing or bigger datasets, but about truly understanding and responding to human needs? Enter Claude 4, a new AI model that redefines what's possible in natural language understanding and problem-solving. With its ability to interpret complex scenarios, generate human-like responses, and adapt seamlessly across industries, Claude 4 isn't just an upgrade—it's a paradigm shift. Imagine an AI that can draft a compelling report, diagnose a medical condition, or optimize a supply chain, all while maintaining the nuance and precision of human reasoning. Bold claim? Perhaps. But as you'll see, the evidence speaks for itself. In this exploration of Claude 4, you'll uncover how this advanced AI is setting new standards in efficiency, adaptability, and usability. From its mastery of natural language to its ability to tackle intricate challenges with unparalleled reasoning, Claude 4 is designed to meet the demands of an increasingly complex world. Whether you're in healthcare, education, or finance, this model offers tools that can transform how you work, solve problems, and make decisions. But what makes it truly remarkable isn't just its technical prowess—it's how accessible and intuitive it feels, even for those without a technical background. As we delve deeper, consider this: how might an AI this powerful reshape the way we live and work? Claude 4 AI Overview Advanced Natural Language Understanding and Generation At the heart of Claude 4's capabilities is its mastery of natural language understanding (NLU) and natural language generation (NLG). These features enable the model to interpret and respond to human language with remarkable precision. By analyzing context, tone, and intent, Claude 4 ensures its responses are not only accurate but also contextually appropriate, making it a valuable asset for communication-driven tasks. For example: Customer service: Claude 4 can handle complex and nuanced inquiries, providing clear and concise answers that enhance communication efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. Claude 4 can handle complex and nuanced inquiries, providing clear and concise answers that enhance communication efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. Content creation: It can draft detailed reports, summarize extensive information, or generate human-like text that is coherent and natural, streamlining the creative process. This combination of advanced understanding and generation makes Claude 4 an indispensable tool for tasks requiring clarity, precision, and effective communication. Enhanced Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities Claude 4 distinguishes itself with its advanced reasoning capabilities, which allow it to process intricate scenarios, evaluate multiple variables, and propose logical, actionable solutions. This makes it particularly effective in addressing complex problems across a variety of fields. Consider these applications: Healthcare: Claude 4 can analyze patient data to suggest potential diagnoses or treatment plans, supporting medical professionals in making informed decisions and improving patient outcomes. Claude 4 can analyze patient data to suggest potential diagnoses or treatment plans, supporting medical professionals in making informed decisions and improving patient outcomes. Technical fields: It can troubleshoot technical issues by identifying root causes and recommending solutions, helping to streamline workflows and reduce downtime. By navigating complex challenges with precision, Claude 4 provides insights that are both practical and impactful, making it a reliable partner in problem-solving. How Claude 4 is Setting New Standards in Artificial Intelligence Watch this video on YouTube. Gain further expertise in advanced AI models by checking out these recommendations. Improved Efficiency and Accuracy Efficiency and accuracy are critical benchmarks for any AI system, and Claude 4 excels in both areas. Using advanced algorithms, it processes information faster and with greater precision than previous models. This results in reduced task completion times and more reliable outcomes, even in high-stakes scenarios. Examples include: Financial services: Claude 4 can analyze vast datasets to identify trends or anomalies, providing accurate forecasts and minimizing costly errors in decision-making processes. Claude 4 can analyze vast datasets to identify trends or anomalies, providing accurate forecasts and minimizing costly errors in decision-making processes. Project management: It can automate repetitive tasks, such as scheduling or resource allocation, freeing up time for teams to focus on strategic priorities. This combination of speed and precision ensures Claude 4 remains a dependable tool for industries that demand both reliability and efficiency. Adaptability Across Industries One of Claude 4's most defining features is its adaptability. The model can be tailored to meet the unique needs of various industries, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of applications. Its ability to integrate seamlessly into different workflows ensures it remains relevant across diverse sectors. Examples of its adaptability include: Education: Claude 4 can assist with personalized learning by analyzing student performance and recommending tailored resources, enhancing the educational experience. Claude 4 can assist with personalized learning by analyzing student performance and recommending tailored resources, enhancing the educational experience. Retail: It can analyze consumer behavior to suggest personalized product recommendations, improving customer satisfaction and driving sales growth. It can analyze consumer behavior to suggest personalized product recommendations, improving customer satisfaction and driving sales growth. Manufacturing: The model can optimize supply chain operations by predicting demand, identifying inefficiencies, and streamlining production processes. This flexibility allows Claude 4 to address the specific challenges of each industry, making sure its utility and effectiveness in a variety of contexts. User-Friendly Interactions Despite its advanced capabilities, Claude 4 prioritizes ease of use, making sure that users of all technical backgrounds can interact with the AI seamlessly. Its intuitive design and natural communication style make it accessible and approachable, encouraging widespread adoption. Key features include: Intuitive interface: The user-friendly design simplifies complex tasks, making it easy to navigate and operate. The user-friendly design simplifies complex tasks, making it easy to navigate and operate. Conversational responses: Claude 4 delivers natural, context-aware replies that make interactions feel fluid and intuitive. Claude 4 delivers natural, context-aware replies that make interactions feel fluid and intuitive. Broad application support: From professional projects to personal use cases, the model is equipped to handle a wide range of tasks effectively. This focus on usability enhances the overall user experience, making Claude 4 a practical choice for individuals and organizations alike. Claude 4: A Versatile AI for Modern Challenges Claude 4 exemplifies the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, offering a robust solution for tackling complex challenges. With its superior natural language understanding and generation, enhanced reasoning capabilities, and improved efficiency, it stands out as a powerful tool for modern applications. Its adaptability across industries and commitment to user-friendly interactions further solidify its position as a leading AI model. Whether you aim to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, or improve communication, Claude 4 provides the tools necessary to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world. Its combination of precision, versatility, and accessibility ensures it remains a valuable asset for addressing the demands of today's dynamic technological landscape. Media Credit: AI Explained Filed Under: AI, Technology News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong students must embrace creativity to complete globally
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Hong Kong's education system stands at a critical crossroads. While our students consistently achieve impressive academic outcomes, our exam-focused framework is insufficient for preparing them to navigate a rapidly evolving world. Technological disruption , global uncertainties and complex societal shifts demand far more from students than rote memorisation and standardised responses – they require creative thinking. Creativity in education is often misunderstood as merely artistic talent or extracurricular enrichment. Fundamentally, creative learning involves cultivating essential skills: critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability. This point was brought home at last week's Knowledge Exchange Festival in Hong Kong, organised by the non-profit organisation Aftec with funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. There, Professor Anne Bamford, who's known for her research in creativity and lifelong learning, emphasised the urgent need for creative education. She said, 'To cope with all these challenges – globalisation, rapid technological changes, AI – you need an immense amount of creativity.' Hong Kong's schools, however, typically discourage creative expression through an emphasis on standardised testing and rigid curriculums. This approach promotes conformity. The consequences are evident: while Hong Kong students excel at examinations, their below-average ranking in creative thinking in a recent global assessment suggests they may struggle to cope with real-world challenges – a significant disadvantage in today's innovation-driven landscape. By contrast, Singapore scored first in the global assessment. At last week's event, May Tan, a director at Singapore's National Arts Council, explained how Singapore intentionally integrates creativity into education from early childhood, noting that sustained creative education significantly improves students' adaptability and lifelong engagement.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Only those with a high IQ can find the missing number in this brainteaser – but can you beat the three minute record?
TWIDDLING your thumbs this bank holiday Sunday? We have just the thing to keep you and your brain busy. The new brainteaser challenges readers to correctly work out the value of each of the symbols to find the value of the missing number at the end of the sequence. 2 Although this seems like an easy task, just one in five readers can correctly work out the missing number in under a minute. On average, the puzzle, devised by tombola, takes readers three minutes to solve, however be warned as two in five readers either answer incorrectly or give up altogether. If you're still struggling, scroll down to find the answer... Certain brainteasers and optical illusions, particularly those that involve patterns or sequences, can help strengthen both short-term and long-term memory. By working through puzzles on a regular basis, you will actively engage the brain's memory systems and directly improve your future attempts at visual challenges. Many brainteasers, like this one, require challengers thinking outside the box. This improves creative problem-solving skills by encouraging the brain to come up with innovative solutions. How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions. Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. It also translates to real-life situations where you might need to approach challenges in new and inventive ways. 99 percent of people can't find the hidden objects in under 20 seconds - are you up to the challenge If you're after another brainteaser to challenge yourself, try this one - as apparently only those with a high IQ are able to find the heart hidden among the spring flowers. Or you can have a go at figuring out the hidden message in this band's cover art that has confused fans for years. Lastly, puzzle fanatics have been left scratching their heads trying to find the lost feather in just 12 seconds. 2
Fast Company
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
20 strategies to address today's complex business challenges
In an era where complex business challenges often defy conventional solutions, leaders must think outside their comfort zones and consider alternative approaches to overcome their business obstacles. By fostering a mindset that embraces ambiguity and encourages experimentation, they can unlock innovative solutions to problems that don't fit the mold. Here, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members offer insight to help other leaders become more creative in addressing problems that require more than a standard answer. 1. BRAINSTORM WITH BUSINESS LEADERS OUTSIDE OF YOUR TEAM. Start by engaging business line leaders outside of your team. Unique solutions are often arrived at when folks with different perspectives come together to creatively problem solve something they may be too close to and can't see clearly what could be possible. – Sean Swentek, Omnidian 2. START AT THE END TO DISCOVER A BREAKTHROUGH. Work backward from 'Wow! What an awesome idea.' You need to stop looking for someone else's blueprint and start trusting your gut. Creative solutions begin when you stop asking, 'What's the usual way?' and start thinking unconventionally about the art of problem solving. Sit in the silence, think deeply, and don't be afraid to throw out the rulebook. That's where the real breakthroughs happen. – Gregory Vetter, Alta Fresh Foods 3. TRY LOW-RISK EXPERIMENTS TO GENERATE BETTER OUTCOMES. Start with severe constraints—I've seen time and again how this can lead to your most creative solution. That's the power of jugaad (frugal inventiveness). It's a creative approach where you work with what you've got, stay focused on what matters most (to customers, your organization, and teams), and try some small, low-risk experiments to test and learn quickly. In a complex environment, focusing on creativity is a powerful equation. – Simone Ahuja, Blood Orange 4. MAKE EVERYONE FEEL COMFORTABLE ABOUT SHARING THEIR IDEAS. Creative solutions come from diverse and inclusive teams. Leaders need to be surrounded by people representing different backgrounds, cultures, generations, levels, and expertise. They must create an environment that empowers this diverse talent to speak up to share their perspectives and ideas. Although DEI is under attack, the principles have never been more critical to business success. – Kim Sample, PR Council 5. RETHINK THE WAY YOU'RE USING THE DATA. Leaders become more creative when they rethink how they use data. Data reveals what's missing and shouldn't just be seen as a way to measure outcomes, but as a means to find better questions. That's where new solutions come from, especially when the problem doesn't have a clear playbook. – Kelsey Morgan, EverFree 6. BE WILLING TO PUSH BEYOND THE STATUS QUO. By questioning norms and asking, 'What if?' leaders show enthusiasm for unconventional ideas and a willingness to view challenges as opportunities rather than threats. Embracing uncertainty also demonstrates a comfort level with ambiguity, which is required anytime you want to challenge the status quo. Otherwise, it's too easy to prematurely force a familiar framework. – Juan Vallarino, myLaurel 7. ASK STAKEHOLDERS WHAT THEY NEED FROM YOU. Don't just do something—sit there! Place yourself in the center of a constellation of stakeholders, thinking hard about what each stakeholder needs to hear from you and what could harm your relationship with them. Think especially hard about the latter, because it's often not obvious, and a poorly thought-out decision's downside is often greater than a brilliant decision's upside. – David Meadvin, One Strategy Group 8. TRUST YOUR GUT. Start by realizing there is no such thing as a standard solution. Every problem is born of a unique situation, with a commercial implication, a time-pressure component, and the emotional and behavioral nuances of the humans involved. Leadership is 50% MacGuyvering a best-case scenario while hanging out the back of a speeding truck. Assess your situation, identify your options, and trust your gut. – Neil Whitfield, Reed Words 9. CREATE PROVOCATION CARDS. We've productized non-standard solutions by developing a deck of provocation cards. Each card has a method for looking at a problem in a fresh, sometimes outrageous or bizarre way. The discipline strips away many of the barriers and assumptions that are getting in the way of original thinking. – Bob Sprague, Yes& 10. LEARN TO STRENGTHEN YOUR CREATIVE MUSCLE. Leaders shouldn't rely on one-size-fits-all solutions. Creativity is a natural part of leadership, but it's also a muscle you can strengthen. Leaders should step outside their comfort zones to boost creative thinking, explore diverse ideas, and practice thinking from first principles. This mindset helps leaders discover innovative solutions and navigate emerging technology's unpredictable challenges. – Joe Depa, EY 11. SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. If leaders could set the initial expectation that no problem has a one-size-fits-all solution, it's likely going to be easier to think creatively when resolving problems. A fun motto we have in my workplace is: 'Not everything is apples to apples; some things are apples to oranges.' This essentially means that not every problem can be resolved in the ways we expect, but there's always a solution. – Misty Larkins, Relevance 12. SURVEY FEEDBACK FROM THE FRONT LINES. Leaders can tap into creativity through proper immersion by considering different perspectives and listening to customers, people at the front line, partners, and even external voices. Inviting cross-functional actions, such as collaboration or simply questioning their own assumptions, is another way to help foster creative thinking. – Asad Khan, LambdaTest Inc. 13. UTILIZE CHATGPT AS A STARTING POINT TO GENERATE POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS. This is a perfect use case for AI. Simply go into ChatGPT, describe the problem, and ask it to come up with some creative ways to address the problem. – Toni Pisano, PortPro Technologies, Inc. 14. READ MORE BROADLY. Leaders can boost creativity by embracing diverse perspectives, encouraging brainstorming without judgment, and stepping outside their usual routines. Reading broadly, asking 'what if' questions, and staying curious fosters innovative thinking, especially when standard solutions fall short. – Stephen Nalley, Black Briar Advisors 15. GET OUT FROM BEHIND THE SCREEN. Stop managing from a spreadsheet and start talking to people. The best solutions come from understanding the real challenges your team faces. Get on the ground, ask the right questions, and listen. Creativity comes from being deeply informed and having the resources to think differently. To do that, you need to step out of day-to-day operations and give yourself space to see the big picture. – Milos Eric, OysterLink 16. STAY CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT IS POSSIBLE. I began my career as a chef, where creativity wasn't optional—it was survival. You learned fast that no recipe fits every challenge. As a CEO, I bring that same mindset. Leaders become more creative by test-baking ideas, blending diverse thinking like a great fusion dish, and staying curious enough to solve what tradition can't. – Nicholas Wyman, IWSI America 17. PUT PEOPLE FIRST. Look for the intersection of people and technology. The most powerful solutions don't come from algorithms—they come from understanding needs. With all the advancements taking place, there is an opportunity to rewrite the playbook and combine ingenuity and innovation. Stop defaulting to what's been done and start exploring what could be done to unlock a new level of people-first problem-solving. – Steve Cox, Employ Inc. 18. STUDY THE STRATEGIES OF YOUR MENTOR. Creative leaders aren't born. They're relentlessly resourceful. They seek out mentors, study how others solve problems, and form sound judgment by connecting patterns quickly. When faced with unfamiliar challenges, they don't rely on instinct alone. They learn fast, ask better questions, and adapt ideas across contexts to craft original solutions. – Albert Lie, Forward Labs 19. GAMIFY THE CHALLENGE. Try looking at the problem like it's a puzzle in a game. Strip away the industry or business context and just think about what would make it work. That shift helps you break away from the usual thinking and spot creative angles you might miss when you're too deep in the day-to-day. – Travis Schreiber,
