Brainstorming
What is it?
Brainstorming techniques are used for idea generation. They can be used as an isolated activity or as part of another active learning method; for example, generating ideas within the Pluses, Minuses and Interesting Points (PMI) technique (Hickey, 2019), or listing issues to investigate about a case in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) context. Al-Samarraie & Hurmuzan (2018) distinguish between verbal/traditional brainstorming (TBS), nominal brainstorming (NBS) and electronic brainstorming (EBS).
How does it work?
Traditional brainstorming (TBS) involves students in a class generating ideas in a cooperative manner, one at a time, usually with the lecturer writing up responses on a flipchart. Nominal brainstorming (NBS) involves students individually brainstorming ideas; for example, on post-it notes, which are then collated and grouped by theme by the educator. Modern technologies comprising ‘boards’ such as Padlet or Miro can be used to support electronic brainstorming (EBS), as can audience response systems such as Mentimeter. Chat facilities in platforms like Zoom or Teams can also be used, but – like TBS – students are identifiable, which can inhibit participation.
Does it work?
A literature review of brainstorming in higher education by Al-Samarraie and Hurmuzan (2018) highlighted that different types of brainstorming lend themselves better to certain disciplines, but that overall, TBS facilitates creative thinking and writing, while NBS facilitates quantity and quality of idea generation, and EBS encourages learners to think creatively and openly.
What do I need?
Depending on the type of brainstorming you will be conducting, you will need a flipchart and pens (TBS), or post-it notes (NBS) or an electronic ‘board’ or audience responses system (EBS). The benefit of electronic brainstorming is that students can contribute entirely anonymously, which can encourage participation from students who might be quieter at contributing otherwise.
It is important to consider GDPR when using electronic tools such as Padlet or audience response systems other than Mentimeter; because these are not university supported tools that are not subject to a data sharing agreement, they can only be used in ways that protect the students’ anonymity. Thus, when using a tool such as Padlet, it is important to stress that if students do have an account, they log out of their account so that their contributions are anonymous.
References
Al-Samarraie, H., & Hurmuzan, S. (2018). A review of brainstorming techniques in higher education. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 27, 78-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TSC.2017.12.002
Hickey, R. (2019). Pluses, minuses and interesting points (PMI). In S. Ferns (Ed.), Active Learning Strategies for Higher Education, The Practical Handbook (pp. 55-67). Centre for Higher Education Research, Policy and Practice. https://arrow.dit.ie/cherrpbook/1/