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Brainstorming

What is it? Image of brainstorming.

Brainstorming is a technique of generating ideas to solve a problem and can be done by an individual or by a group. Brainstorming is usually done by sharing ideas as soon as they are generated and then writing the ideas on a flip chart, blackboard, whiteboard, or overhead projector. The main purpose of brainstorming is to keep the process of generating ideas uninterupted and uninhibited. Generally, a brainstorming exercise will have four basic qualities:

  • A focus on quantity: the more ideas generated the greater the chance of producing an effective and original solution.
  • No criticism: Focus on extending or adding to an idea and leave the criticism for another stage of the work. This keeps the brainstorming process positive and leads to better ideas.
  • Unusual ideas are welcome: Unusual ideas often lead to thinking of more creative ways to approach a problem.
  • Combine and improve ideas: Good ideas can be combined to form better ideas and can also lead to more comprehensive solutions.

Brainstorming

What are the educational uses and benefits? Image of brainstorming.

Class Environment
  • Utilize brainstorming activities as an ice breaker activity, to create an open and welcoming classroom environment, and to encourage creativity.
Participation
  • Groups or individuals can brainstorm to generate ideas on a topic, assignment, or problem.
  • Use a virtual whiteboard, audio-conferencing, video-conferencing, or other synchronous communication method to conduct brainstorming activities in an online environment.

Brainstorming

How do I get started? Image of brainstorming.

  • Define your problem or issue as a creative challenge.
  • Establish a time limit.
  • Write down all suggestions regardless of feasibility. There should be no criticizing of ideas. Laughing is encouraged but criticism is not. This can be done in a face to face classroom via a flipchart, chalkboard, or whiteboard. In an online environment this can be done via chat session, whiteboard, audioconferencing, videoconferencing, or webconferencing.
  • When time is up select the five ideas the group likes best.
  • Write down five criteria for judging which idea best solves the problem.
  • Give each idea a score of 0-5 points depending on how well it meets each criterion. Add up the total scores.
  • The idea with the highest score will likely best solve the problem.

Brainstorming

Where can I learn more? Image of brainstorming.

For information on tools to help with synchronous brainstorming activities visit:

For information on tools to help with asynchronous brainstorming activities visit:

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