Brainstorming Solutions

Generating a wide range of potential solutions is the engine of creative problem-solving. Active learning methods encourage students to move beyond initial ideas, embracing quantity and diverse thinking to foster innovation. These hands-on approaches help students internalize the brainstorming process as a dynamic and collaborative endeavor.

• Year 3
• Technologies
• 3 activities
• 15 min–25 min

Graffiti Wall

⏱ 15 min·Individual

Brainstorming Bonanza: Sticky Note Storm

Present a clear problem, such as 'How can we make our playground more fun?' Give each student a stack of sticky notes and a marker. Set a timer for 5 minutes and have students write as many ideas as possible, one per note. Then, have students share their ideas by placing them on a designated wall or whiteboard.

Prepare & details

Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different brainstorming techniques.

Facilitation Tip: During the Graffiti Wall activity, ensure all students have access to the writing or drawing space and encourage a rapid, free-flowing exchange of ideas without immediate critique.

Setup: Large wall space covered with paper, or multiple boards

Materials: Butcher paper or large poster paper, Markers, colored pencils, sticky notes, Section prompts

• Remember
• Understand
• Create
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Graffiti Wall

⏱ 25 min·Small Groups

Mind Map Mania: Visualizing Ideas

Introduce mind mapping as a way to connect ideas. Start with the central problem in the middle of a large paper. Students then branch out with related ideas, using keywords and simple drawings. Encourage them to create multiple branches and sub-branches, fostering visual thinking and idea organization.

Prepare & details

Justify the importance of generating many ideas before selecting one.

Facilitation Tip: During the Carousel Brainstorm, make sure each group has sufficient time at each station to add meaningfully to the prompts before rotating.

Setup: Large wall space covered with paper, or multiple boards

Materials: Butcher paper or large poster paper, Markers, colored pencils, sticky notes, Section prompts

• Remember
• Understand
• Create
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Round Robin

⏱ 20 min·Small Groups

Round Robin: Building on Ideas

Divide students into small groups and give each group a problem. Each student starts by writing one idea. They then pass their paper to the next person, who reads the previous idea and adds a new, related idea. Continue this process for several rounds, encouraging students to build upon each other's thoughts.

Prepare & details

Design multiple potential solutions for a given problem.

Facilitation Tip: During the Round Robin Brainstorm, remind students to listen to and build upon the previous idea shared in their group, rather than starting a completely new thought.

Setup: Chairs in a circle or small group clusters

Materials: Discussion prompt, Speaking object (optional, e.g., talking stick), Recording sheet

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

Teaching This Topic

Approach brainstorming not as a single event, but as a process that requires explicit instruction and practice. Emphasize the 'defer judgment' rule during idea generation, modeling enthusiasm for all contributions. Show students how techniques like mind mapping or sticky note storms can help organize and visualize the abundance of ideas produced.

What to Expect

Students will demonstrate an understanding that brainstorming involves generating many ideas, not just one or two. Successful learners will contribute actively to group idea generation, build upon the ideas of others, and begin to see the value in exploring unconventional solutions.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During the Brainstorming Bonanza: Sticky Note Storm, watch for students who only generate one or two ideas and stop.

What to Teach Instead

Redirect by reminding students of the goal: 'Let's see how many different ideas we can get on our sticky notes. Even a small idea can spark a big one for someone else! Try to fill your next sticky note with something different.'

Common Misconception

During the Graffiti Wall or Carousel Brainstorm, watch for students who hesitate to write or draw, perhaps feeling their contribution isn't valuable.

What to Teach Instead

Model enthusiastic participation by adding your own ideas, and verbally encourage contributions: 'Great idea! Let's get that down,' or 'What's another way we could think about this?' Ensure everyone has a marker and space to contribute.

Common Misconception

During the Round Robin Brainstorm, watch for students who repeat ideas or don't build on the previous person's contribution.

What to Teach Instead

Gently prompt students to listen carefully and connect their idea to the one just shared: 'How could your idea add to what [student name] just said?' or 'Can you think of a variation on that?'

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

After the Brainstorming Bonanza: Sticky Note Storm, quickly scan the variety and quantity of ideas on the sticky notes to gauge initial participation and idea generation.

Discussion Prompt

During the Graffiti Wall or Carousel Brainstorm, ask students to share one idea they found surprising or interesting that was generated by another group member.

Peer Assessment

After the Round Robin Brainstorm, have students briefly discuss within their small groups which ideas they thought were most promising and why, focusing on the collaborative aspect.

Exit Ticket

After Mind Map Mania, ask students to write down one connection they made between ideas on their mind map that they hadn't considered before.

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge: Ask students to categorize the brainstormed ideas by theme or feasibility and then select the top three to develop further.
• Scaffolding: Provide sentence starters or visual prompts for students who are struggling to generate ideas during activities like Graffiti Wall or Round Robin.
• Deeper Exploration: Have students research real-world examples where extensive brainstorming led to significant innovations.