Brainstorming
Goals
1. To generate an extensive number of ideas or solutions to a problem by suspending criticism and evaluation
2. To develop skills in creative problem solving
Group Size
Any number of small groups composed of approximately six participants each
Materials
Newsprint and felt-tipped marker for each group
Procedure
1. The facilitator forms small groups of approximately six participants each. Each group selects a secretary.
2. The facilitator instructs each group to form a circle. He or she provides newsprint and a felt-tipped marker for each secretary and asks the secretary to record every idea generated by the group.
3. The facilitator states the following rules:
a. There will be no criticism during the brainstorming phase.
b. Farfetched ideas are encouraged because they may trigger more practical ideas.
c. Many ideas are desirable. Go for quantity, not quality.
d. Let others’ ideas suggest new ideas to you; “piggyback” on their ideas.
4. The facilitator announces the topic, for example, “How could we reduce costs?” She or he tells the groups that they have five or ten minutes to generate ideas.
5. At the end of the generating phase, the facilitator tells the groups that the ban on criticism is over, then directs them to evaluate their ideas and to select the best ones.