Brainstorming is an essential part of critical thinking and a tool that people use to invent an idea, find a solution to a problem, or answer a question.
Brainstorming is simple and natural. However, when groups of people collaboratively brainstorm, we can have wildly different experiences — from awesome idea-generating sessions to complete chaos. We have provided some tips to helps your students enhance their brainstorming skills.
You see, brainstorming is a tool that you can use to develop critical thinking. Use it to open up students’ minds to other perspectives.
When brainstorming — thinking creatively — our brains function at maximum capacity. Pick a time when everybody is rested and in good spirits, because students will need all that energy to do advanced thinking.
Somebody needs to be in charge of writing ideas down and keeping the group focused. Choose someone who writes quickly and legibly.
Rabbit trails are OK, but they should always lead back to the topic.
When people focus on creating ideas, it is a very exhilarating activity. But, as mentioned before, the process works our brains at maximum capacity. Never brainstorm for more than an hour.
Make sure that everybody can see the ideas as they are written down. We prefer whiteboards. Put the ideas into different categories. For example, you could organize the answers to “why stealing is wrong” under the following headings:
Cull the list until only a few of the best ideas remain. During brainstorming, most of your ideas are going to be useless. After the brainstorm session is over, spend time discussing which ideas might actually work the best.
Brainstorming is not simply a means to an end. It’s more than just coming up with ideas. The process puts us in a creative frame of mind and heightens our curiosity. Being curious opens us to see things from perspectives that are not our own. Finally, seeing things from other perspectives makes us more critical thinkers, which in turn makes our brains bigger.
Benchmark (interim) assessment Interim assessments are often carried out at numerous intervals throughout the school…
The code of conduct is based on 10 principles, behaviors and ethics for workers in…
What is the code of ethics for professional teachers? A professional code of ethics outlines…
Attendance and punctuality: Whether in school or work, you learn and accomplish most when you…
Demonstrate integrity Promoting Academic Integrity in the Classroom Talk about academic honesty often. Expect high…
What is Classroom Climate? Classroom climate is a term used to give attention to a…
This website uses cookies.