Brainstorming
brain'storm(ing) (br n stôrm ) n.1
What is it and why do it?
Brainstorming is a way to encourage creativity and to generate a lot of ideas very quickly. It can be used for solving a specific problem or answering a question. Some ideas for when to use it might be:
- To find a solution to a problem. For example, ask the group to brainstorm solutions to poor attendance at group events.
- To introduce a new subject. Brainstorm everything that the participants already know about a subject. This is a good way to arouse their interest and find out what they already know.
- Ask a quick creative exercise. For example, brainstorm possible endings for an unfinished story.
How to do it:
Decide on the issue you want to brainstorm. Form it into a question which will have many possible answers. Write the question where everyone can see it. For example: "in what ways can be improve our group?"
Ask the participants to contribute their ideas. Write the ideas where everyone can see them. These should be single words or short phrases.
Tell the participants that in a brainstorm they can't comment on each other's ideas until the end, or repeat ideas which have already been said.
Encourage everyone to contribute, but do NOT move around the group in a circle, or force participants to think of an idea - this is likely to discourage creativity.
Don't judge the ideas as you write them down. If possible, ask another group member to write them. Only give your own ideas if it is necessary to encourage participants.
If a suggestion is unclear, ask the person to clarify it, or suggest a clarification and check that they agree to it.
Write down EVERY new suggestion. Often, the most creative or outrageous suggestions are the most useful and interesting!
Stop the brainstorm when ideas are running out. NOW, you can go through their suggestions, asking for comments.