Brainstorming
Definition
Brainstorming is the name given to a situation when a group of people meet to generate new ideas around a specific area of interest. Using rules which remove inhibitions, people are able to think more freely and move into new areas of thought and so create numerous new ideas and solutions. The participants shout out ideas as they occur to them and then build on the ideas raised by others. All the ideas are noted down and are not criticized. Only when the brainstorming session is over are the ideas evaluated.
Some other definitions:
- Brainstorming is a process for generating new ideas
- Brainstorming is "a conference technique by which a group attempts to find a solution for a specific problem by amassing all the ideas spontaneously by its members" - Alex Osborn
- To brainstorm is to use a set of specific rules and techniques which encourage and spark off new ideas which would never have happened under normal circumstances
How to brainstorm
Step 1
Have a central person to coordinate the proceedings, introduce the purpose of the brainstorming session and to outline the rules. This person should also ensure the rules are followed and should actively encourage the participants. This person is the facilitator (facilitate = to make easier).
Step 2
Now it's the time for a short warm up on an urelated topic. This will help you establish a less restrictive mood. You should only start the main topic when the right mood is established.
Step 3
With the purpose and topic established, everyone in the group shouts out their ideas and they are all written down so that they can be analyzed later. There a variety of Web 2.0 tools that will help you jot down students' ideas. Also, a secretary or dedicated writer can be useful and for larger groups you may need two or three to ensure all ideas are captured.
Useful Web 2.0 tools
- Voicethread -http://voicethread.com/
- Meindmeister - http://www.mindmeister.com/
- Bubbl.us - https://bubbl.us/
- XMind - http://www.xmind.net/
- Tagul - http://tagul.com/
- Tagxedo - http://www.tagxedo.com/
Brainstorming rules:
- Postpone and withhold your judgment of ideas
- Encourage wild and exaggerated ideas
- Quantity counts at this stage, not quality
- Build on the ideas put forward by others
- Every person and every idea has equal worth
Teacher's role:
- To suggest ideas which will work as solutions
- To suggest ideas which will stimulate solutions in others
Comments on a brainstorming session
Some weeks ago, I took part in a brainstorming session on the topic of Death Penalty. The teacher was very supportive, she encouraged us to express freely our ideas, without minding if they were wrong or right. She did not make any comments or judgements which really helped us feel comfortable and relaxed. My collegues and I were very enthusiastic at first and came up with many ideas which were noted down on a Microsoft Word document. Sometimes, I got stuck with an idea but my collegues helped me take the idea to the next stage.
If I were in the teacher's shoes, I would choose a different tool for my brainstorming like Bubble. us, Tagul, Tagxedo, Wallwisher or Wordle as I think they are much more effective compared to the Word document.
References
http://www.brainstorming.co.uk/tutorials/whatisbrainstorming.html
http://www.jpb.com/creative/brainstorming.php
http://www.wikihow.com/Brainstorm