Technologies · Foundation

Active learning ideas

Brainstorming Solutions: Creative Ideas

Active brainstorming strengthens creative confidence because students learn that problems have many possible answers. When children share and build on each other’s ideas in real time, they see that collaboration sparks better solutions than working alone.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9TDEFP01

• 20–35 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Think-Pair-Share
• 25 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Toy Path Challenge

Pose a problem like designing a toy path that avoids spills. Students think alone for 2 minutes and sketch one idea, pair up to share and add a second idea each, then share one combined solution with the class. Display sketches for a class vote on favourites.

Design multiple potential solutions for a given problem.

Facilitation Tip

During the Think-Pair-Share, circulate to make sure every child contributes an idea before pairing begins, ensuring quiet voices are heard.

What to look for

Provide students with a simple problem, such as 'How can we make our classroom library more inviting?' Ask them to draw at least three different ideas for solutions on a piece of paper. Observe if they are generating distinct concepts.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Round Robin
• 30 min · Small Groups

Round Robin: Lunchbox Solutions

In small groups, present a lunchbox access problem. Each student adds one sketched idea to a shared poster in 1-minute turns over 10 minutes, then discusses which three ideas seem most feasible based on materials and steps needed.

Compare the feasibility of different brainstormed solutions.

Facilitation Tip

For the Round Robin, set a timer so each group has equal turns and prevent over-talkers from dominating the discussion.

What to look for

Present two different brainstormed solutions for a classroom problem (e.g., a better way to organize art supplies). Ask students: 'Which idea do you think would be easier to make? Why?' and 'Why is it good that we thought of more than one idea?'

• Remember
• Understand
• Analyze
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

Activity 03

• Stations Rotation
• 35 min · Whole Class

Idea Storm Circle: Playground Fix

Sit in a whole-class circle for a playground problem. Use a talking stick: each child shares one verbal idea and draws it quickly on paper, passing to the next. After 15 minutes, review and star the top five ideas together.

Justify why a wide range of ideas is beneficial in problem-solving.

Facilitation Tip

In the Idea Storm Circle, remind students to build on others’ ideas by saying ‘Yes, and…’ to keep the flow positive and inclusive.

What to look for

Give each student a small card. Ask them to write or draw one idea they had for solving a problem discussed in class. Then, ask them to write one reason why thinking of many ideas is helpful.

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 04

• Stations Rotation
• 20 min · Pairs

Sketch Relay: Helper Robot

Pairs design a classroom helper robot. One partner sketches for 3 minutes, then swaps to add features. Repeat twice, discuss feasibility, and present one final combined drawing to the group.

Design multiple potential solutions for a given problem.

Facilitation Tip

During the Sketch Relay, provide only one marker per pair so partners must take turns, ensuring both voices shape the final drawing.

What to look for

Provide students with a simple problem, such as 'How can we make our classroom library more inviting?' Ask them to draw at least three different ideas for solutions on a piece of paper. Observe if they are generating distinct concepts.

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

Start with low-stakes problems students care about, like toys on the floor or messy pencil cases. Model your own messy first sketches so they see that rough ideas lead to better ones. Research shows that quantity in brainstorming increases quality, so aim for multiple quick sketches rather than perfect drawings. Avoid praising only the ‘best’ idea; instead, highlight the variety and how ideas connect or improve.

Successful learning shows when students generate multiple distinct solutions, explain their ideas clearly, and value others’ contributions. By the end of the activities, children should confidently sketch or model at least three different approaches to a simple problem.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Think-Pair-Share, students may believe the first idea shared is the only good one.

  After pairs share, call on two different groups who had the same problem but different solutions. Ask, ‘How are these ideas alike or different?’ to show multiple paths work.

• During Round Robin, students may assume the first solution mentioned is the best.

  Pause the activity after two rounds to ask, ‘Which idea so far sounds easiest to make? Why?’ Then continue to show that later ideas can be just as practical.

• During Idea Storm Circle, children may hesitate to share because they think their idea must be perfect.

  Model sharing a quick, silly idea first. Then remind the group that everyone’s first try is welcome; write all ideas on the board regardless of quality.

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Methods used in this brief

• Think-Pair-Share
• Round Robin
• Stations Rotation