Ch. 6 Working the Brain “The true test of a first-rate mind is the ability to hold two contradictory ideas at the same time.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald “A closed mind is a dying mind.” - Edna Ferber

Norms for Collaboration Listen to understand Speak honestly and openly Be an active participant Pay attention to your feathers Set aside distractions

Learner Outcomes To learn and practice effective techniques for brainstorming To become familiar with one brainstorming strategy, “Alternate Chart”

Agenda Icebreaker Brainstorming Questions & Answers Review of Information Brainstorming Strategy: Alternate Chart Close and Evaluation

Why use brainstorming? It helps generate ideas It increases the energy level It denotes an accelerated pattern of thinking.

Rules are Needed A defined, constrained time is needed for the activity. The goal is to get lots of ideas for consideration. No responses of pro or con can be made as ideas are shared. After ideas are listed, the process of deeper understanding is next.

With adults, consider: Adults may be inhibited to participate at first. Adults may be worried that an answer may be wrong.

Adult Brainstorming List ideas on paper before sharing with the larger group Explain the process and acknowledge that ideas may come slowly Explain that “wait time” will be used Avoid reinforcing the answer

Adult Brainstorming Tell members that they can feed you ideas as fast as you can write them down. When it seems like members have generated all ideas, engage them to think about more ideas: Come up with three more ideas Meet in pairs to generate more ideas.

Adult Brainstorming The facilitator should take the notes. because it allows the facilitator to: Pace the session. Manage the energy of the team generating ideas.

Brainstorming Strategies There are eight different strategies. Refer to your handout for all eight We are going to use Alternate Chart.

Alternate Chart Work in teams of 4-5 people. Charts are arranged around the room. Each chart is a different category. Each team stands by one of the charts

Alternate Chart Topics Ways the school can benefit the community Ways the community can help the schools Existing programs that can provide a base for future projects People who need to be on the design committee for this project Ways to recruit volunteers

Alternate Chart While at your team’s chart: Brainstorm and write down as many ideas as you can for 3 minutes. When “switch” is called, stop. Move to another chart, but do not rotate around the room. Repeat by brainstorming as many ideas as you can for 3 minutes.

Alternate Chart Go through the process of getting clarity. If time allows, visit each chart two or three times. Go through the process of getting clarity.