- Set a clear time limit. As teachers, we need to remember that brainstorming can be an exhausting process as creativity does not come naturally to everyone. Although it is sometimes difficult to wait for students' creative juices to start flowing, it is always well worth it!
- Begin with a clear question. The boundaries are set by the question being addressed. Have you ever had students brainstorm and generate ideas that are too diffuse to be relevant? Take time to present a clear question.
- Record every idea. Whoever is leading the brainstorming session should record every idea. Recording every idea reinforces the notion that all ideas are welcome.
- Ask everyone for input. Sometimes the most talkative or the loudest students take up time disproportionate to their actual creative contribution. If a few students have not or are hesitant to contribute, written input can be used. Asking for input from each member of the group is helpful in balancing out the voices.
Recently, in my biology classroom, I asked groups of students to come up with ways to perform mitosis for their classmates. Mitosis is a complicated process that often times confuses and baffles those that have to learn its steps. Some groups were asked to perform mitosis without errors while other groups were tasked to perform mitosis gone awry. Group leaders collected everyone's ideas and placed them into a graphic organizer. Afterwards, each group had to work together on the actual performance and, of course, perform! Students understood the process better which enabled them to comprehend how cells are able to regenerate and how the heredity material is duplicated and passed on.
