Why Brainstorming Sometimes Fails in the Classroom?
1. Lack of Clear Purpose or Instructions
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Problem: Students don’t understand the goal of the brainstorming session.
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Effect: They may give unrelated ideas, stay quiet, or feel confused.
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Solution: Start with a clear, focused question or problem. Explain expectations and the rules.
Example:
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Poor: “Talk about anything about animals.”
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Better: “List ways animals adapt to survive in deserts.”
2. Fear of Judgment or Criticism
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Problem: Students worry their ideas might be mocked or judged.
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Effect: They may stay silent or give very safe, repetitive ideas.
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Solution: Create a safe, non-judgmental environment. Emphasize that all ideas are welcome, and mistakes are part of learning.
3. Dominance of Certain Students
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Problem: A few vocal students dominate the session.
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Effect: Others may feel intimidated or unimportant and stop contributing.
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Solution:
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Use round-robin sharing where each student speaks in turn.
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Allow silent brainstorming on paper before sharing.
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4. Lack of Preparation
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Problem: Students don’t have enough prior knowledge or background to generate ideas.
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Effect: They may struggle to contribute meaningful ideas.
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Solution: Provide background information, examples, or prompts before brainstorming.
5. Time Mismanagement
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Problem: Either too little or too much time is given.
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Effect:
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Too little → students can’t think deeply
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Too much → students lose focus or get distracted
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Solution: Set a specific, reasonable time (e.g., 5–10 minutes for idea generation).
6. Lack of Follow-Up
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Problem: Ideas are collected but never used or discussed.
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Effect: Students feel the activity is pointless and disengage in future sessions.
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Solution: Always analyze, organize, and apply the ideas generated.
7. Environmental Distractions
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Problem: Noise, uncomfortable seating, or crowded space.
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Effect: Students lose focus and participation drops.
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Solution: Arrange the classroom to encourage collaboration and minimize distractions.
Summary
For brainstorming to succeed in class, you need:
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Clear purpose and instructions
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Safe, supportive environment
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Equal participation
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Adequate preparation
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Good time management
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Follow-up and application of ideas
