Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a strategy to encourage students to quickly generate solutions for problem-solving or create ideas for discussion and further learning of a given topic.

To encourage creative and critical thinking skills. Brainstorming can promote student engagement and motivation and develop problem-solving strategies.

Implementation

It is very important during the brainstorming phase to emphasize that there should be no discussion or debating of any issue presented. The point is to generate as many potential topics as possible.

1. Have individuals write as many ideas as possible without stopping.  
2. Collect all responses. 
3. Present all the ideas to the group anonymously for discussion.  
4. Once topics are generated, either the entire class or groups may begin to “process” the brainstormed ideas or points. 

If you have a class of 24 or less, during the idea generation phase, you can have students take turns giving an idea and write them on the board or type them so everyone can see them. If a students doesn't have a unique idea, they will say "pass" for their turn. Continue going around the room until everyone has said "pass" in succession.

Reference

• Persky, A. M. (2012). Pocket guide for evidence-based instruction. Educational Blueprints, LLC.