Pedagogical Techniques - Brainstorming

Overview

Brainstorming can be a powerful tool for the math teacher when:
  • Reviewing previously learned material, particularly when the class has the material from several sources or different teachers;
  • Developing examples (positive and negative) of a concept, particularly in order to make connections between abstract concepts and real-world applications;
  • Developing theories when presented with data;
  • Using Synetics methods for developing creative thinking; and
  • Hypothesizing meanings, rules, and conjectures.

When to Use Brainstorming

Use brainstorming when:
  1. There are a variety of answers worth exploring within the reach of students;
  2. when the pedagogical value lies in exploring ideas, rather than reaching a particular conclusion;
  3. A wide variety of ideas will enhance the lesson;
  4. The classroom environment is relaxed and students feel okay exploring ideas verbally;
  5. Students feel comfortable proposing ideas that may not work out;
  6. Students are searching for ideas to explore, such as for a formal paper; or
  7. Students are willing to hear ideas with which they may disagree.

When not to Use Brainstorming

Do not use brainstorming when:
  1. The teacher wishes to lead students to a particular conclusion;
  2. The teacher is looking for a particular or a 'correct' answer;
  3. The classroom environment is hostile or unforgiving;
  4. Students are not comfortable proposing ideas; or
  5. Students are unwilling to let ideas stand with which they disagree.

Classroom Dynamics of Brainstorming

Brainstorming can be a fast-paced learning experience with opportunities for all students to participate. At its best, brainstorming is an exciting way to expose ideas for further discussion. Since tweens and, to a lesser degree, teens tend to be hostile towards ideas they don't understand, clear rules and firmly consistent though kindly enforcement of those rules is essential to success. Brainstorming can be facilitated by assignment of roles.

The rules for brainstorming are:

  • Everything is written down by the scribe.
  • All communication must be to add an idea or encouragement.
  • All ideas are welcome.
  • Respect is to be shown for all participants and all ideas.

Possible roles for brainstorming include:

  • Scribe - The Scribe is responsible to write all ideas down, usually on a white board.
  • Participation Monitor - The Participation Monitor makes sure each person who want to contribute has the opportunity. Sometimes the more outgoing students will monopolize the session. If the Participation Monitor calls a name, that person is the only one who may speak until that person is done.
  • Idea Monitor - The responsibility of the Idea Monitor is to make sure all communication is to add ideas. The idea monitor is to identify any expressed judgment - verbal or physical in order to discourage it. Also, if ideas get too far from the stated goal the Idea Monitor is responsible to guide the brainstorming back to the goal.

Obviously, brainstorming will not work in a hostile environment. If there is noticeable hostility in a class or on a particular day, it is better to choose a form of brainstorming less subject to hostility, or a different teaching mechanism.

There are some variants of brainstorming that suit different situations and classes. They include:

  • Silent Brainstorm - All ideas are submitted in writing. This is one way to assure all students participate.
  • Ball Brainstorm - A ball is tossed from person to person. The person who receives the ball must give an idea before tossing it again. This also encourages each person to contribute.
  • Team Brainstorm - Form smaller teams to brainstorm, then combine the team brainstorms into a single list. This may be less intimidating for some students.
  • Circular Brainstorm - In this form of brainstorm, categories are written on white boards or large pieces of paper. The students circulate around the room, adding their ideas to each board.

Other Resources

  1. Scardamalia, Marlene and Bereiter, Carl, Beyond Brainstorming: Sustaining Creative Work with Ideas, IKIT - Institute for Knowledge and Technology, date unknown, http://ikit.org/fulltext/2003BeyondBrainstorming.html, last accessed 28 Nov 2005