The SCAMPER method is a creative thinking technique used to generate new ideas or improve existing products, processes, or solutions. It works by prompting you to look at an idea from seven different angles:
1. S – Substitute
Replace one part of the idea with another.
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What can be substituted?
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Example: Replace plastic packaging with biodegradable materials.
2. C – Combine
Merge two or more elements to create something new.
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What can be combined?
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Example: Combine learning apps with games to make education more engaging.
3. A – Adapt
Adjust or tweak the idea to fit another context.
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What can be adapted?
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Example: Adapt classroom teaching methods for online learning.
4. M – Modify (or Magnify/Minify)
Change the size, shape, or attributes.
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What can be modified?
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Example: Make lessons shorter and more interactive.
5. P – Put to another use
Use the idea in a different way or for a different purpose.
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What else can it be used for?
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Example: Old textbooks used as recycled craft materials.
6. E – Eliminate
Remove unnecessary parts.
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What can be removed?
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Example: Eliminate repetitive exercises in a lesson plan.
7. R – Reverse (or Rearrange)
Change the order or direction.
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What can be reversed or reorganized?
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Example: Let students teach first, then the teacher explains (flipped classroom).
In short:
SCAMPER helps you think creatively by asking structured questions that push you to change, improve, and reimagine ideas systematically.
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Here’s a clear application of SCAMPER in an EFL writing classroom, designed for collaborative writing (e.g., argumentative or descriptive essay).
🌱 SCAMPER in EFL Writing Activity
🎯 Learning Goal
Students improve their writing ideas, creativity, and coherence by using SCAMPER before drafting an essay.
🧠 Classroom Activity: “Improve School Learning System”
📝 Task:
Students are asked to write an essay on:
“How can we improve learning in English classes at university?”
Before writing, they use SCAMPER to generate ideas.
✏️ SCAMPER Application in Writing Stage
S – Substitute
Students replace common elements in learning.
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Replace teacher-centered learning → student-centered learning
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Replace textbooks → digital interactive materials
👉 Writing idea: “Students can learn better using interactive apps instead of traditional textbooks.”
C – Combine
Students merge ideas to create innovation.
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Combine games + vocabulary learning
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Combine AI tools + peer discussion
👉 Writing idea: “Learning English becomes more effective when games are combined with AI-based feedback.”
A – Adapt
Students adapt ideas from other contexts.
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Adapt YouTube learning style for classroom use
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Adapt social media for writing practice
👉 Writing idea: “Short-form video platforms can be adapted to practice English speaking and writing summaries.”
M – Modify
Students change intensity or form of learning.
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Make assignments shorter but more frequent
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Increase visual support in lessons
👉 Writing idea: “Short weekly writing tasks can improve consistency and reduce student anxiety.”
P – Put to another use
Students rethink the function of tools or activities.
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ChatGPT used not only for answers but for feedback
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Group chat used for peer editing
👉 Writing idea: “AI tools can be used as writing tutors to give instant feedback on grammar and structure.”
E – Eliminate
Students remove barriers or unnecessary elements.
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Eliminate memorization-only tests
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Remove redundant grammar drills
👉 Writing idea: “Reducing repetitive grammar exercises allows more time for creative writing practice.”
R – Reverse
Students change the learning sequence or roles.
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Students teach first, then teacher explains
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Write first, then learn grammar rules
👉 Writing idea: “Students can write essays first and learn grammar through reflection and correction afterward.”
✍️ Final Writing Outcome
After SCAMPER brainstorming, students write:
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A more creative essay
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With richer ideas
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Better coherence and originality
🎓 Why SCAMPER Works in EFL Writing
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Improves idea generation (critical for writing anxiety)
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Enhances lexical resource and content richness
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Supports collaborative brainstorming
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Aligns with creative problem solving (CPS) frameworks
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