Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a small group techniques that help students to focus on a topic. It allows for the stimulation of ideas and help pose alternative solutions to problems. Students can develop alternative solutions to questions. The activitiy provides a safe framework for participation, analysis of ideas, and isolation of solutions. The technique creates a team environment to generate new ideas.

Brainstorming can help focus students as they come into a class and review or introduce information. Regular use of brainstorming in a class can increase vocabulary and help develop students skills for end of course tests (EOG) by giving them practice in quickly focusing in on a prompt and generating ideas.

Guidelines for Brainstorming

Concentrate on the topic.

Call out what pops into your head.

Try to fill the silence.

Wait for an opening.

Repeat your idea until it is recorded.

Be positive. No put downs.

Stay in focus. Don't get off the topic.

Use short time spans. (1-3 minutes)

Record ideas in a short form.

Record everything.

Analyze later.

Brainstorm from general to specific.

Classroom Ideas

Brainstorm a tired phrase like:

"smart as a whip"

"pretty as a picture"

Brainstorm from general to specific then categorize:

"North Carolina"

Then categorize words by climate, region, people, places, etc..

Use as an global introduction or as review.

"Today we finish up our study of the solar system. Let's brainstorm all the new ideas and terms we've learned in this unit"

When you are finished, have students identify terms related to the planets, to technology, etc...

Small Group Techniques

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