Brainstorming Techniques

When there is a need to break out of the ordinary routine of thinking to solve problems try brainstorming. Brainstorming ideas can create new ideas, or solve old problems, but are generally used as ways to solve problems. Brainstorming ideas together as a group is far more effective than trying to resolve them on an individual level.

Freewheeling brainstorming is where group members call out their ideas. One group member is designated to write down exactly what each member says.

Carousel brainstorming is brainstorming ideas where each member writes several questions on individual sheets of paper. The group is then divided into smaller groups then each member stands in front of a sheet of paper. Every group member is given a role to play such as monitor, recorder, etc. and assigns each member a question. Each group is asked to discuss the ideas to the problem. The secretary writes down all of the responses on the flow chart. After an allotted period of time, the groups rotate to the next sheet of paper. The group reads the idea and builds on that idea. When the groups rotate, each member should get a new role. This session continues until each group has read each paper. Members then go around and read all of the ideas that are posted.

One of many brainstorming ideas is One-Two-Six Brainstorming. Each member writes an idea for action. Members go into pairs to share the ideas and agree on one of them. The members then form groups of six members and again share the ideas and agree on one of them. The ideas are then posted to discuss.

Slip method brainstorming divides the members into small groups. Members either write their ideas on index cards or post it notes. Each group then puts the ideas into order like a theme and presents them to the other groups.

Know Want-To-Know Learned or KWL is on the unique list of brainstorming ideas. Each member takes a sheet of paper and makes three columns. Each column is labeled K W and L. Then the groups share everything they know about the problem or topic and put in the K (Know) column. The group is asked to discuss what they would like to know about the topic or problem and writes that in the W (Want To Learn) column. Then members are asked to reread what they have under the K (Know) column and check for any inaccuracies in those ideas. If the group sees that, either there is an idea they have not learned in the W (Want To Learn) or L (Learned) columns, ask them how they can learn that idea.

Add Round Robin Brainstorming to the list of brainstorming ideas. Again, a large group of members is broken down into smaller groups. The problem is presented to the group and is given a few minutes to come up with ideas. The member next to the secretary is the first one to give an idea. Each individual member gives an idea and it continues to go around the circle until the allotted period of time is up.