Brainstorming

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a large or small group activity that encourages students to focus on a topic and

contribute to the free flow of ideas. The teacher may begin a brainstorming session by posing a

question or a problem, or by introducing a topic. Students then express possible answers,

relevant words and ideas. It is the random generation of ideas based around a topic. There is no

editing or ordering of these ideas. They may then be used as the basis for another activity such as

writing or discussion. It is often very productive as a whole-class activity. Brainstorming is one

of the most distinctive ways to develop creative thinking,

Seven easy brainstorming techniques that encourage collaboration while eliminating

judgment.

1. Brain Writing

The general principle of this technique is to separate idea generation from discussion. The

team leader shares the topic with the team, and team members individually write down their

ideas. This helps eliminate the anchoring bias and encourages everyone on the team to share their

own ideas. It also gives everyone more time to think over their ideas, which is especially helpful

for your introverted participants. This brainstorming technique works best for teams who seem to

be greatly influenced by the first ideas presented during a meeting.

2. Figuring Storming

Ever consider how someone else might handle the situation? Or what they might say

about a particular topic? With figuring storming, you aim to do just that. Think about how

someone like your boss, a famous celebrity might handle the situation. Putting yourself in new

shoes can give the team a different perspective, helping them see the possibilities from fresh

ideas. This technique works best for teams who find themselves coming across the same ideas

for repetitive projects.

3. Online Brainstorming (Brain-netting)

Virtual teams are becoming more and more common across all industries. The evolution

of email and collaboration tools makes working remotely the norm in some organizations. There

are also a ton of great brainstorming tools that help make online brainstorming more of a visual

and collaborative experience. One brainstorming exercise for groups involves using an online

mind-mapping tool to answer very specific questions or generate ideas tangential to the main

problem.

4. Rapid Ideation

Sometimes, time limitations can help generate ideas quickly. With this technique, the

team leader provides context beforehand with information or questions on the topic, budget,

deadline, etc. Then, a time limit is set for individuals to write down as many thoughts or ideas

around the topic as possible, using any mediums available. This technique is good for teams who

tend to get sidetracked, teams who hate meetings, or for placing a time limit on brainstorming

sessions that frequently last longer than expected. While brainstorming is the basic technique for

developing ideas and getting people to think up new concepts and solutions, there is a very real

temptation to overthink things. It's easy to get bogged down by every new idea and its details.

This is precisely the problem that rapid ideation seeks to solve.

5. Round Robin Brainstorming

Teams form a circle to kick off this method. Once the topic is shared, go around the circle

one-by-one and have each person offer an idea until everyone has had a turn.

6. Starbursting

This form of brainstorming focuses on forming questions rather than answers.

Starbursting challenges the team to come up with as many questions as they can about your

topic.This style assures that all aspects of the project are addressed before any work goes into

executing it.

7. Stepladder Technique

Developed in 1992, this style of brainstorming encourages every member in the team to

contribute individually before being influenced by everyone else. The session begins with the

facilitator sharing the topic or question with the whole team. Once the topic is shared, everyone

leaves the room except two members of the team. These two members will then discuss the topic

and their ideas. Then, one additional member is added to the group. This new member will

contribute his or her ideas BEFORE the other two discuss theirs. Repeat this cycle until everyone

from the original group is in the room. This technique prevents groupthink in teams where one or

two members hold sway over everyone else. This also helps encourage the shy folks in the group

to share their ideas without feeling intimidated by a room full of people.

The Benefits of a Group Brainstorm

The definition of brainstorming holds the key

 Additionally, it is a quick way to generate a large quantity of ideas. Instead of just one or two, a group effort can exponentially increase the number of ideas.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Brainstorming has many benefits and advantages that include :

 You don't have to be a highly qualified expert or highly paid consultant to use it

 Easy to understand 

 It is inexpensive

 If controlled properly it is a quick way of generating ideas

 Encourages creative thinking 

 Generates ideas and solutions that can be used elsewhere

 Provides an opportunity for widespread participation and involvement

The benefits and advantages outweigh any disadvantages. However, if we are to consider

disadvantages, they may include:

 Can take too much time if the group is not properly controlled and is allowed to run for

too long

 Raising expectations of the brainstorming group by considering ideas that will never be

implemented