Brainstorming is an integral part of the creative workplace. Students might do it for the first time in school, but it's a tool they'll likely use in the workplace and beyond. It develops valuable skill sets like teamwork, creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and the ability to synthesize different ideas into one outcome.
At VentureLab, we use the following tips and tricks to make sure students are getting the most out of brainstorming:
- Say "Yes, and..." - No idea is bad during a brainstorming session! To encourage students to let out all of their wild ideas, institute the "Yes, and" Rule - students are not allowed to respond to other ideas with any statements like "but" or "I don't think that will work". Rather, they must say "yes, and..." so that they build on each others' ideas.
- Get out of your seat - It's hard to work with others when you're just sitting around a table! Encourage your students to get up and move around, writing on whiteboards or on big sheets of butcher paper. Even standing around a table is more dynamic than sitting - everyone will have a different perspective from their unique viewpoint.
- Do a warm up - Sometimes it's hard to start generating ideas out of thin air. To prep students to tackle a particular question or problem, start out with a more whimsical task - have them brainstorm ways to levitate a book, or make their lunch faster in the mornings. Often, the sillier, the better - it will get their creative juices flowing!
Try these strategies out at home or in your classroom today! There's lots of problems out there just waiting to be tackled.
