Brainstorm Solutions

Problem Solving Module

Session 4

What is Brainstorming?

• To produce an idea or way of solving a problem by discussion

• A group problem solving technique that encourages contribution from all members

The term brainstorming came from Alex F. Osborn in his 1953 book called Applied Imagination.

Step #3: Brainstorm Solutions

• Once the problem has been analyzed, you can begin to develop possible solutions

• This is a creative as well as practical step and every possible solution or variation should be identified

• Use a brainstorming process to generate as many solutions as possible

• We usually brainstorm in groups but it is also useful to be able to do it individually

• Tools such as spider maps may help generate ideas

 

Brainstorming Rules

Don’t judge the ideas and thoughts of other people.

•There is no such thing as a bad idea, all ideas have the potential to be good ones

•Do not criticize ideas or compliment them

•Focus on the creation of ideas or solutions

Brainstorming Rules

Be spontaneous.

•Don’t worry about whether the idea or solution is perfect- just get the idea out to the group

•Be creative

Brainstorming Rules

Quantity is fine!

•The more creative ideas you have to choose from or work with the better

•Keep the ideas short- don’t worry about detail at this point

•Go for quantity – you can narrow down the ideas later

Brainstorming Rules

Build on others.

•Build and expand on ideas others have put forward

•Use ideas as inspiration

•Explore as many possibilities as you can

Brainstorming Rules

Everyone’s ideas have value.

•Every person has a unique perspective

•Everyone should feel free to contribute in a way that makes them comfortable

•Even if you don’t participate out loud- write your ideas down and share them

• There are no wrong answers at this stage

• Judgments should not be passed on another person’s suggestions

• Allow time for the individual or each person in the group to clarify his or her suggestion(s) so there is a common understanding

Brainstorming Rules

Build Your Skills

• Letting go of assumptions, learning how to explain things and thinking outside of the box will support your ability to be able to brainstorm solutions to problems.

• In the activities that follow, you will be building skills that will help you brainstorm solutions to problems.

Activity: Letting Go of Assumptions

Letting go of assumptions Activity follow-up

• What prevented you from solving the problem?

• What beliefs were you holding on to?

• What other beliefs might you be holding on to that prevent you from moving forward in problem solving?

Activity: Explain It!

Activity: A Perfect Society

Activity- A Perfect Society Guiding Questions

• What are the components of a perfect society?

• What laws govern a perfect society?

• What does daily life “look” like in a perfect society?

Write down all your ideas.

Include potential problems and solutions with the ideas you brainstorm.

Activity: What Makes You Happy?

Activity

Think Outsi

de the Box

Using Diagrams or Graphic Organizers to Brainstorm

• Using different types of diagrams or graphic organizers can be a very good way to brainstorm ideas

• There are several different types of diagrams

• Some examples include the spider chart, the star diagram and the tree diagram

Spider Map

• A spider map is a type of graphic organizer that is used to investigate and illustrate various aspects of a single theme or topic, helping you organize your thoughts.

• It looks a bit like a spider web.

Source: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/spider/

Star Diagrams

• Star diagrams are a type of graphic organizer that condense and organize data about multiple traits, facts or attributes associated with a single topic

• Star diagrams are useful for brainstorming about a topic or simply listing all the major traits related to a theme.

Source: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/star/

Tree Diagrams

• Tree diagrams are a type of graphic organizer that show how items are related to one another. The tree’s trunk represents the main topic, and the branches represent relevant facts, factors, influences, traits, people or outcomes.

• Tree diagrams can be used to sort or classify information. A family tree is an example of a tree diagram

Source: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/tree/

Activity: Diagram It

Practice

John was told by his boss four weeks ago that he would have to do a big presentation at work. The presentation needed to be prepared in addition to a number of regular daily tasks. He focused on his daily tasks and did a good job completing them but the presentation kept "slipping" his mind. On the night before the due date of the presentation, he realized that he had at least 8-10 hours' worth of work left to do on the presentation. This wasn't the first time he had procrastinated on a major work assignment and left it until the last minute. Last year he received a note on his personal file for a similar situation.

• What are some possible solutions?

Milestone 15

• Provide directions to a familiar location and instructions on how to carry out a familiar process.

Credits

This Power Point was created by Laubach Literacy Ontario.

The resources can be downloaded free of charge at www.laubach-on.ca.

This Employment Ontario project was funded by the Ontario Government. 2015

All website links were accurate at the time of original distribution-March 2015.

All of the images and clip art used in this Power Point are from Clipart.com and Microsoft Office.com.