Definition:
Brainstorming is a way of generating ideas in
a group situation based on the principle of suspending judgement.
Steps of Brainstorming:
·
Have a well-defined and clearly stated problem
·
Have someone assigned to write down all the ideas as
they occur
·
Form a group of six to 10 students
·
Have someone in charge to help enforce the following
guidelines:
~Suspend judgment
~Every idea is accepted and
recorded
~Encourage students to build on he
ideas of others
~Encourage way-out and odd ideas
When to Use:
·
To solve a specific problem
·
To provide an opportunity for everyone in the group to
state whatever ideas come to mind
·
To provide a large quantity of ideas
·
To encourage combining and using pieces of ideas from
the group
·
To accept all ideas
Example:
Prior knowledge, what students already know
about a topic, is a major determinant of whether they will understand what is
read. Prior knowledge must be activated or developed by prereading activities. One
of the simplest activities is to brainstorm by asking: What do you think of
when I say _________________?
Student responses may be listed on the
chalkboard, charted on a graphic organizer, or mapped. For example: Ask
students, "What do you think of when I say fruit? "Responses may be
recorded on the chalkboard as follows:
Resource:
Commitment to Quality in Virginia Public Schools. Virginia Department of Education - Xerox Partnership.