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Most problems are not solved automatically by the first idea that comes to mind. To get to the best solution it is important to consider many possible solutions. One of the best ways to do this is called brainstorming. Brainstorming is the act of defining a problem or idea and coming up anything related to the topic - no matter how remote a suggestion may sound. All of these ideas are recorded and evaluated only after the brainstorming is completed.
Brainstorming is a way of generating radical
ideas. During the brainstorming process there is no criticism of ideas,
as free rein is given to people's creativity. Criticism and judgment cramp
creativity.
Individual brainstorming is best for generating many ideas, but tends
to be less effective at developing them. Group brainstorming tends to
develop fewer ideas, but takes each idea further. Group brainstorming
needs formal rules for it to work smoothly.
Individual Brainstorming
When you brainstorm on your own you will tend to produce a wider range
of ideas than with group brainstorming - you do not have to worry about
other people's egos or opinions, and can therefore be more freely creative.
You may not, however, develop ideas as effectively as you do not have
the experience of a group to help you.
When Brainstorming on your own, it can be helpful to use Concept Maps
to arrange and develop ideas.
Group Brainstorming
Group brainstorming can be very effective as it uses the experience and
creativity of all members of the group. When individual members reach
their limit on an idea, another member's creativity and experience can
take the idea to the next stage. Therefore, group brainstorming tends
to develop ideas in more depth than individual brainstorming.
Brainstorming in a group can be risky
for individuals. Valuable but strange suggestions may appear stupid at
first sight. Because of such, someone needs to chair the sessions tightly
so that uncreative people do not crush these ideas and leave group members
feeling humiliated.
Where possible, participants in the brainstorming process should come
from as wide a range of backgrounds as possible. This brings a broad range
of experience to the session and helps to make it more creative.
Procedure
1. In a small or large group select a leader and a recorder (they may
be the same person).
2. Define the problem or idea to be brainstormed. Make sure everyone is clear on the topic being explored and lay out the criteria to be met.
3. Set up the rules for the session. They should include :
- letting the leader have control.
- keeping the session focused on the problem
- allowing everyone to contribute.
- trying to get everyone to contribute and develop ideas, including the quietest members of the group
- ensuring that no one will insult, demean, or evaluate another participant or his/her response. Criticism introduces an element of risk for group members when putting forward an idea. This stifles creativity and cripples the free running nature of a good brainstorming session.
- stating that no answer is wrong.
- ensuring that no train of thought is followed for too long
- encouraging people to develop other people's ideas, or to use other ideas to create new ones
- appointing one person to note down ideas that come out of the session, preferably in a place where the whole group can read them. This should be studied and evaluated after the session.
- recording each answer unless it is a repeat.
- setting a time limit and stopping when that time is up.
4. Start the brainstorming. Have the leader select members of the group to share their answers. The recorder should write down all responses, if possible so everyone can see them. Make sure not to evaluate or criticize any answers until done brainstorming.
5. Once you have finished brainstorming, discuss the ideas generated and begin evaluating the responses. Some initial qualities to look for when examining the responses include
- looking for any answers that are repeated or similar.
- grouping like concepts together.
- eliminating responses that definitely do not fit.
6. Work to create a condensed list or a plan for moving forward. Use questions, such as the following, to guide the discussion:
- What does the list tell us about how we see this subject? (ie. is a biased view presented?)
- Are there areas or interests that are conspicuously absent from this list?
- Do the ideas fit within our constraints (resources, time, access)?
Can new ideas be generated by looking at and discussing this list?
Based on:
McDowell, Dan. “Process Guide: Brainstorming”. San Diego Unified
School District. 5 July 1999
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/staffdev/tpss99/processguides/brainstorming.html
(3 August 2004)
Mind Tools. “Brainstorming”
. 1995-2004
http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html
(3 August 2004)
San
Mateo County Office of Education. “Project-Based Learning with Multimedia
– Brainstorming”. September, 1997
http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/PBLGuide/Activities/brainstorm.html
(3 August 2004)
