Brainstorming is a strategy used to generate a number of ideas to help solve a particular problem. The technique has been around for over 70 years and is still used today to engage students in solving a range of problems. Show
Techniques vary but there is a general structure to follow when developing brainstorming sessions. After the problem or issue is presented, students are organized into groups to brainstorm all possible ideas which could solve the problem. Discussion of these ideas takes place after the brainstorming session ends, usually after a defined period of time. Each idea will be discussed and considered, some ideas will be eliminated, and a final list will be ranked for possible use as a solution toward solving the problem. Brainstorming is a cooperative approach in which a number of people collectively agree upon a solution after all of their ideas are brought forth and discussed. It is important to plan the brainstorming session before implementing it in the classroom. As outlined below, you will need to consider the strengths, challenges and barriers when designing the session. Planning a Brainstorming Session1. State the problem or issue.
2. Identify the roles of all students in the group.
Provide students with the problem/topic that is new to them and one that challenges their current level of knowledge on the issue. 3. Explain the guidelines of the brainstorming session (the DOs and DON’Ts).
Stress that all ideas are welcome and even ideas which are perceived as “out there,” “funny or silly,” or “weird” can lead to creative solutions. 4. Keep the group number group manageable (8-12 people works well).
5. Create a relaxed environment which is supplied with adequate workspace and materials and free from distractions.
Ideally, more people in a group can lead to more ideas being generated. 6. Create heterogenic groups.
7. Rank the generated ideas and suggestions.
Groups should consist of students who vary in experiences, backgrounds, knowledge and academic disciplines. 8. Review the brainstorming session.
It is important to provide some form of follow-up to the brainstorming session as a sort of follow-through to support student effort. Strengths of Brainstorming
Challenges of Brainstorming
SummaryBrainstorming sessions can be a useful strategy to encourage genuine collaboration and interaction in the classroom. Putting together a well-stated problem and careful planning strategies can lead to meaningful idea generation and idea building which can be used in solving problems or addressing specific course-related issues. ReferencesSelected ResourcesBaumgartner, J. (n.d.). The complete guide to managing traditional brainstorming events. http://www.jpb.com/creative/brainstorming.pdf Maricopa Community Colleges (2001). Brainstorming. http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/authoring/studio/guidebook/brain.html Storm, J. (2004). 10 deadly brainstorming ruts that kill innovation. https://www.brainstormnetwork.org/articles/10-BrainStorming-Ruts.pdf Which of the following are among the factors that enhance the ability of a team to make effective decisions?Which of the following are among the factors that enhance the ability of a team to make effective decisions? hierarchical sensitivity, staff validity, and decision informity.
Which of the following teamwork processes are teamwork activities that focus on preparation for future work?transition processes are teamwork activities that focus on preparation for future work. action processes are important as the taskwork is being accomplished.
When a team of people is able to achieve more than what its members could by working individually this is called?(d)synergy. a. 2. One of the recommended strategies for dealing with a group member who engages in social loafing is to ________. (a)redefine tasks to make individual contributions more visible.
What are some advantages to workplace teams quizlet?What are the advantages of teams? Increased productivity, increased speed, reduced costs, improved quality, reduced destructive internal competition, and improved workplace cohesiveness.
|