PANDEY KARISHMA

                                      == Brainstorming Method For Teaching ==

Brainstorming is a process one goes through in an effort to generate ideas, let the creative juices flow, and problem solve. It can be applied to a variety of activities including conflict resolution, writing, developing a search on the Internet, and figuring out math problems. Brainstorming is an effective way to think of new ideas individually or within a group. First, the steps are outlined with a group in mind. Second, ideas for brainstorming are presented with an individual in mind. Follow the steps in the group strategy, but use the individual strategies to widen your scope for ideas, creativity, and solutions. It is an intense experience that is strongly focused on a single topic for a limited period of time. It provides a very different and stimulating student interaction of time. It provides a very different and stimulating student interaction procedure--the kind of variety that most groups enjoy immensely. Finally, the unleashed and concentrated mental power generated in a brainstorming session guarantees both individual and group achievement.

It is in the problem-solving area that brainstorming probably succeeds better than any technique yet devised. The strategy was first utilized in industry as a means of overcoming obstacles, solving problems and finding new and creative approaches to unsatisfactory or inefficient procedures or systems.

The concept is very simple. A group of students is given a single problem or obstacle and asked to "storm their brains" for ideas. To increase spontaneity and rapidity of ideas, each participant is encouraged to call out his thought the instant an opening presents itself. Each brainstorming session usually intensifies into an exciting rapid-fire, off-the-top-of-the-head group experience. Stimulation and motivation build as each participant contributes and interest mounts to higher and higher levels.

The ideas generated tend to serve as catalysts for new responses. Creative and effective thoughts begin to evolve from this group process- In contrast, individuals often react in traditional patterns and rarely have an innovative "brainstorm" without the stimulus of multiple sounding boards.

Brainstorming in a group

Allot 20 to 30 minutes for the session. Record all ideas on butcher paper so everyone can see them and they can be retrieved at a later date. Encourage all ideas. Perhaps offer a sticker to the person with the most ideas or with the most creative suggestion. Do not accept judgmental tones, remarks, body language, or facial expressions that indicate the ideas are good, bad, or funny. Use others' comments to think of new ideas. Keep discussion of the recorded ideas to a minimum during brainstorming. After the session, take a break, then come back for a more critical evaluation of the ideas. During the analytical phase, make sure comments are constructive, or students might avoid speaking up at the next brainstorming session.

Brainstorming by yourself

Draw or doodle while you're thinking. Ask questions. Read something. Take a walk with a little notepad and pen. Work a crossword puzzle or a word search. Do something with the intention of figuring out what you want to focus on. Look around: Write down the interesting things you see, hear, touch, feel, smell, or taste.

Advantages of brainstorming

Is stimulating and provides a varied instructional approach. It generates enthusiasm and eagerness to join in by its open invitation to participate and its rapid, free-wheeling approach. Is highly motivating. Students who usually allow their verbal, articulate classmates to dominate question-and-answer periods get the urge to participate. They are not "put down" or degraded for "wrong answers" and feel a real sense of contribution as their suggestions are noted on the project sheets. On the other hand, those who dominate traditional classroom situations are also stimulated to get their ideas out and on the record. Increases "task focus." The brainstorming group is kept on target with very little pressure from the group leader because of the structure and ground rules. Editorializing, personal commentary, rejoinders, eloquent speeches, and the other destructive activities of committees are eliminated in this process. Promotes spontaneity and creativity. The members of the group begin to link ideas and "bounce suggestions off the group" in a sounding-board procedure that gathers momentum as the session continues. Mental power is fully unleashed in this positive atmosphere. Is efficient and productive. Scores of ideas and suggestions or problems and obstacles can be listed in a few minutes. Parallel suggestions and obstacles lead the group toward sound "next steps." Involves participants in the ownership of ideas. The participants feel greater kinship for their product as they assume group ownership of their ideas and suggestions. Problem solving is made much easier when communal commitment is guaranteed. Provides a permanent record and aids in developing solutions to problems. The results of the sessions can easily be reproduced or reused to design alternate procedures and programs for solving problems or meeting objectives. The production of the group takes on value as a permanent evaluation record and as testimony to individual and group effort.

Disadvantages of brainstorming

In a group participants have to listen to others and may spend time repeating their ideas until they get sufficient attention. Going through the protocol, processing and ordering the ideas can become a complex procedure. This also depends on the number and order of the generated ideas. Advising participants to let others speak without making them feel offended or intimidated can be difficult. Participants with the ability to express their ideas faster and more effective gain the general attention of the group. Some form of leadership can be formed in this way within the group, which might make participants feel intimidated. On the one hand, people are not very skilled at controlling their non-verbal reactions and might influence the creativity of others with their posture, gestures or facial expressions. On the other hand, attempting to control their non-verbal behavior might inhibit their own creativity. More discrete or introvert participants might find it difficult to express their crazy or unorthodox ideas.