Stages and rules of brainstorming
Properly organized brainstorming includes three mandatory steps. The stages differ in the organization and rules for their implementation:
- Formulation of the problem. Preliminary stage. At the beginning of the second stage, the problem should be clearly formulated. There is a selection of participants in the assault, the definition of a leader and the distribution of other roles of participants, depending on the problem posed and the chosen method of conducting the assault.
- Generation of ideas. The main stage on which the success (see below) of the entire brainstorming largely depends. Therefore, it is very important to follow the rules for this stage:
- The main thing is the number of ideas. Don't make any restrictions.
- A complete ban on criticism and any (including positive) assessment of the ideas expressed, since the assessment distracts from the main task and knocks down the creative mood.
- Unusual and even absurd ideas are welcome.
- Combine and improve any ideas.
- Grouping, selecting and evaluating ideas. This stage is often forgotten, but it is the one that allows you to highlight the most valuable ideas and give the final result of the brainstorming. At this stage, unlike the second, the assessment is not limited, but, on the contrary, is welcomed. Methods for analyzing and evaluating ideas can be very different. The success of this stage directly depends on how “equally” the participants understand the criteria for selecting and evaluating ideas.
brain attacks
For brainstorming, two groups are usually created:
- participants offering new options for solving the problem;
- members of the commission processing the proposed solutions.
There are individual and collective brain attacks.
A team of several specialists and a moderator participate in a brainstorming session. Before the brainstorming session itself, the facilitator makes a clear statement of the problem to be solved. During the brainstorming, participants express their ideas aimed at solving the task, both logical and absurd.
In the process of brainstorming, as a rule, at first the solutions are not very original, but after some time, typical, template solutions are exhausted, and unusual ideas begin to appear among the participants. The facilitator writes down or otherwise records all the ideas that come up during the brainstorming session.
Then, when all ideas are expressed, they are analyzed, developed and selected. As a result, the most efficient and often non-trivial solution of the problem is found.
Success
The success of brainstorming is highly dependent on the psychological atmosphere and the activity of the discussion, so the role of the leader in brainstorming is very important. It is he who can “break the deadlock” and breathe fresh energy into the process.
Brainstorming is credited to Alex Osborne.
One of the extensions of the brainstorming method is the synectics method.
Links
- Creative thought on a short leash Coyne, Clifford, Dye / Harvard Business Review Russia / April 2008 - in particular, what can be wrong with brainstorming
- Something they don't write about brainstorming. Undocumented features of the most hyped creative technique Sokolov Alexander Borisovich, TREKO.RU
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010 .
Synonyms:See what "Brainstorming" is in other dictionaries:
brainstorm- (ITIL Service Design) (ITIL Service Operation) A technique that helps a team generate ideas. Ideas are not analyzed during the actual brainstorming, this happens later. Brainstorming is often used in problem management to... ... Technical Translator's Handbook
Ex., number of synonyms: 3 brainstorming (3) brainstorming (3) brain teaser ... Synonym dictionary
Brain attack, see DELPHI METHOD. Raizberg B.A., Lozovsky L.Sh., Starodubtseva E.B. Modern economic dictionary. 2nd ed., rev. M .: INFRA M. 479 s .. 1999 ... Economic dictionary
brainstorm- "BRAIN STORM" proposed by A. Osborne in the 40s. 20th century a way of organizing group generation of ideas, on the basis of which other methods of group creative thinking later arose. This method is primarily aimed at... Encyclopedia of Epistemology and Philosophy of Science
BRAINSTORM- BRAINSTORM. Same as brainstorming... A new dictionary of methodological terms and concepts (theory and practice of teaching languages)
Brainstorm- An approach to problem solving in which people come together and spontaneously come up with all sorts of suggestions on how to solve a problem. It is important that at this stage not a single proposal is subjected to critical evaluation, otherwise it may be violated ... ... Great Psychological Encyclopedia
brainstorm- a method of quick search for solutions based on their generation in the process of brainstorming conducted by a group of specialists and the selection of the best solution based on expert assessments. The Delphi method is used for expert forecasting by ... ... Dictionary of economic terms
BRAINSTORM- (from the English brain storming) a method of intensifying the process of group search for problem solving. It provides for the stimulation of creativity and productivity on the basis of the proposal that in the usual methods of discussion and decision ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychology and Pedagogy
Brainstorm- a teaching method, one of the modern forms of group classes in secondary and higher educational institutions. Problem M.sh. search or development of the optimal solution to the problem. The preliminary stage of M.sh. is a situational analysis. M.sh.… … Pedagogical terminological dictionary
BRAINSTORM An approach to problem solving in which people come together and spontaneously come up with all sorts of suggestions about how to solve a problem... Dictionary of Career Guidance and Psychological Support
A modern person has to live in a constantly changing world, where what was considered science fiction only yesterday is becoming everyday and the norm today. Of course, the current time can be called wonderful and incredibly interesting, but it, in turn, makes each of us live at a frantic pace and solve tasks that require a significant investment of time and effort. In search of the right answer, a person has to re-read a lot of literature and ask friends for advice. But this does not always help in solving the problem. And here a technique comes to the rescue, which allows you to find the only answer from the many options that will allow you to successfully cope with the task. What is this method? It is called the brainstorming method. What is it and how can it be used in practice? Let's try to deal with this issue.
The essence of the method
The way to successfully solve the problem, which is also called brainstorming, is to activate the creative potential that a whole group of people has. To do this, a small team gathers, each member of which takes part in the discussion. The conversation concerns one or another previously voiced problem.
The purpose of the brainstorming method is to collect the maximum number of ideas that are designed to solve the problem. Moreover, this must be done in the shortest possible time. The brainstorming method makes it possible to optimize the creative thinking of the team and obtain the most effective idea for its subsequent implementation.
Scope of application
Using the brainstorming method (MMS) is by far one of the most effective ways to conduct peer review. It is used in scientific and technical areas, in management, and even in cases where it is necessary to solve personal problems. The brainstorming method also finds its application in games. In other words, wherever an effective and quick way out of the current situation is required.
The scope of the brainstorming method is extensive and applies to cases where:
- the object under study is not subject to strict formalization or mathematical description;
- the characteristics of the object of study are insufficiently substantiated due to the lack of detailed statistics;
- the functioning of the object is multivariate and depends on a large number of factors;
- there is a need to predict complex phenomena from the economic sphere, which are constantly evolving and dynamically developing;
- the existing situation does not accept other ways of solving the problem.
A fairly wide range of economic and social processes fall under the conditions described above. Other methods of expert assessments have a similar scope. Brainstorming should not be in situations where the object in question is well studied and predictable.
History of creation
The founder of the brainstorming method is the well-known copywriter, founder of the information company BBD&O Alex Osborne. MMS was invented in the middle of the 20th century and today it is in great demand by leaders who seek to make special, fundamentally new and creative solutions based on the "collective mind" factor.
Practice of use in universities
Brainstorming is also used as a teaching method. It is studied in universities, which allows solving specialized issues and involving students in research work.
In order to teach the brainstorming method, specially created educational methods are used in higher education institutions. They allow you to train the originality of thinking, as well as its flexibility - semantic and figurative.
Brainstorming as a learning method allows future specialists to produce a maximum of ideas in a short period of time and develops in them the ability not to miss new, most productive areas of activity.
Types of MMS
Brainstorming, used as one of the teaching methods, involves the development by students of its various subspecies.
- Brain ring. This subspecies of MMS is characterized by a written formulation by the group members of all the ways to solve the problem. Discussing write down their own ideas, and then exchange sheets. Such actions allow the thought put forward by one person to be developed with the help of the intellect and fantasy of other people. This technique showed its effectiveness especially brightly at one of the meetings of pharmacists. Having gathered for a meeting where the creation of a new product was discussed, they, after combining the two notes, were able to develop a unique product. They became a shampoo-conditioner, that is, a 2-in-1 product.
- Using the whiteboard. Leaflets filled with people discussing some problem are attached to it. The results of such an intellectual assault are not only visual, but can also be easily combined and sorted.
- Japanese technique. This one was invented by Kawakita together with Koboyashi and named rice hail by them. Such a technique assumes that all participants in the brainstorming session come to a single result. When applying this method, people fill out the cards, reflecting on them their own version of the solution to the issue. After that, all the sheets are grouped in the context of the options presented on them, which allows you to get a unified vision of the problem.
- Delphi method. This is a specialized way. It is used to predict economic and social processes. When implementing the Delphi method, participants fill out cards that all members of the team can familiarize themselves with (it can include from 10 to 150 people).
Moscow, 2004
Principles of the brainstorming method:
- Clear statement of purpose and/or objectives and constraints.
- Ensuring maximum freedom for participants
- giving a word to everyone (encouraging the shy, "keeping" the most active and authoritative);
- complete freedom of opinion, encouragement of "crazy" ideas, analogies (literary, musical, biological, etc.);
- Careful formation of the composition of participants
- determination of the number;
- by specialization, designed to fully cover the required area, and in some cases, go beyond it, as well as the possibility of partial mutual replacement;
- psychological (lack of malignant conflicts, clear leaders);
- by qualification (high and approximately equal level)
- sometimes the introduction of "red";
- Hierarchical conduct of discussions: first - as wide as possible, then an assessment of the prospects of options and selection of the best, then again "breadth";
- The huge role of the "leader" and the democratic style of leadership:
- creating a creative, purposeful and conflict-free atmosphere;
- the ability to "identify" proposals and direct the course of the discussion (Greek method).
Findings:
- The method is little formalized.
- Load and conflict.
- The results are extremely dependent on the preparation and conduct.
Morphological method and method of analysis of the range of problems. The methods consist of decomposing the original problem into components or emerging problems, and then breaking them down into alternative ways of implementing them. Then all possible combinations are compiled. For each of them or only for the most promising options, an appropriate project is drawn up.
analogy method
The idea of the method is to isolate the problem that has arisen and try to solve it with the help of ideas from other areas of life and science. At one time, the method was applied so successfully that on its basis a whole science was born - synectics. Her field of borrowing technical ideas from biology is called bionics.
To use the analogy method, you must:
a) isolate the cause of the difficulties;
b) maximally formalize it to the level perceived by specialists from other fields;
c) describe the goals of the future solution and objective limitations;
d) highlight the area of life or science in which there may be solutions that are close in meaning;
e) select a team of specialists from the chosen field;
f) organize and conduct brainstorming;
g) interpret the obtained solutions for the initial area;
h) choose from them the most feasible and most effective.
Random impulse
Our thinking apparatus functions as a self-enlarging memory system. The scope of attention is limited and associative. Those. when two signals enter the brain simultaneously, under specially created conditions, a certain logical chain must be established between them, which can significantly change the perception of each of the signals.
Basic tricks to speed up this process:
- bringing together many people;
- visiting places where there are a lot of random things (shop, exhibition, library, etc.);
- consciously bringing together previously unrelated thoughts, such as with random clue words
Method "635"
Six people come up with three ideas each on a given question in five minutes.
Then the leaflets with their opinions are transmitted, for example, clockwise. In the next five minutes, each participant must familiarize himself with all the proposals of his neighbor and detail them. This is done until everyone has worked on all the ideas of the group.
In half an hour, as a maximum, 18 developed proposals are ready. The next half hour is given for their discussion, addition and selection of the best options.
Moderation method
Participants fill in three cards with a brief description of the problems (anonymously).
The moderator shuffles the received cards and announces their contents in turn, suggesting that they be assigned to certain groups. If the opinions of the participants differ, the final decision belongs to the author of this card. As a result, all problems are divided into groups (clusters).
Each of the clusters is discussed. The following possibilities are offered: exclusion (inclusion) of any problems from it, division into several smaller groups or, conversely, their enlargement.
A common name for clusters is being developed. Their relative importance is determined.
Modifications to the Brainstorming Procedure
Method of individual brainstorming
All roles (facilitator, fixer, generator and evaluator of ideas) are performed by one person. The duration of the session is 3-10 minutes. Fixation with a pen, PC or (the most effective) - a voice recorder. Evaluation of ideas should be delayed. Helps with warm-ups. The disadvantage is the lack of a synergistic effect. Advantage - efficiency and economy on people.
Written brainstorming.
It is used, first of all, with the geographical disunity of the participants, therefore, the opportunity to recruit extra-class specialists. Disadvantages - lack of a synergistic effect, the duration of the process.
Direct brainstorming method.
Unlike the classical method of brainstorming, the process of formulating a problem (goals, constraints, etc.) is also carried out using the brainstorming method, and with the same composition of participants.
Method of mass brainstorming.
Used to solve global problems. A competent group is created, which breaks the original task into parts. Then, separately for each block, a brainstorming method is carried out. The next step is to gather group leaders and discuss all ideas.
Double (pair) brainstorming method
Introduction to the critique of ideas. Stages: direct brainstorming, discussion, continuation of ideas.
Idea Evaluation Brainstorming Method
It is a combination of double, individual and reverse method. Used to solve urgent problems. High requirements for participants: qualifications, self-discipline, ability to participate in the brainstorming method. Stages: generation of ideas, familiarization of all participants with the options for ideas and comments and self-assessment of options, selection of several (3-5) best options with an indication of their advantages and disadvantages, discussion with mini-assaults, narrowing the list of the best options with clarification of advantages and disadvantages, individual presentations of the best options and their collective ranking. Disadvantages: load capacity, conflict. Advantages: removing the effect of a "single brain", the ability to organize constructive criticism.
Reverse brainstorming.
It is used in the implementation of projects consisting of many stages (elements). If one stage fails, the whole process is disrupted. Therefore, the most important thing is to make sure that each element is correct. The goal of brainstorming is to identify all the shortcomings as much as possible. Steps: Brainstorming a list of existing, potential and possible future deficiencies; their ranking.
Shipboard method.
Statements are held in accordance with the hierarchy. Disadvantages: when an idea arises after its turn, it cannot be expressed.
Method of conference of ideas.
This is a brainstorming method, but in a more casual setting, such as a round table.
See also:
ALEXEY KONSTANTINOVICH KLYUEV
University management. 2003. No. 1(24). C. 3.
[Internet resource]
Currently, in many areas of life, many effective methods are used to solve completely different problems. Among them, the so-called brainstorming method is especially popular. Everyone has heard about it, but not everyone knows what its essence is. Today we want to talk about what it is and how to successfully apply it in practice. So what is brainstorming?
Excursion into history
This method was invented back in 1941 by an advertising agency employee in America, Alex Osborne.
Brainstorming is a method of prompt, quick problem solving based on stimulating the creative activity of people who take part in it and offer their various ideas.
In general, the essence of this method is to select a group of people who will be divided into two parts. One of them will generate ideas, and the second will analyze. Any criticism is prohibited. The idea supported by the majority will be considered correct.
There are other methods of decision-making, brainstorming, however, among them the most famous and popular. Why? Yes, because:
- It is quite reliable and efficient.
- The maximum number of all kinds of ideas is generated in a short time.
- Complete lack of criticism.
- Develop, change, modify other people's and their own ideas.
Brainstorming is a specially designed method for attracting a large number of ideas. Believe it or not, its effectiveness is very high. A group of six people can come up with up to one hundred and fifty ideas in thirty minutes! Perhaps that is why brainstorming is so popular. We will discuss examples of its use below.
What is the brainstorming technique?
We have already discussed what brainstorming is. The idea here is the foundation on which absolutely everything is built. Let's now understand the technique of carrying out this method.
There is a group of people who are selected to generate alternative ideas. The main selection principle is the diversity of qualifications and experience. The group must be very diverse. It is agreed in advance that absolutely any ideas are welcome, invented both independently and come in combination with other proposals.
As we have already emphasized, any criticism is strictly prohibited. The fact is that the very idea of being criticized can already slow down the imagination. All participants take turns presenting their ideas. The rest listen attentively, if necessary, write down new thoughts that came to mind under the impression of what they heard. Then all the records are collected, re-read, analyzed. As a rule, this is done by another group of specialists.
In general, the number of ideas can be significantly increased by combining them. Of course, among the data received there may be completely stupid and unrealistic proposals. But they can be very easily discarded.
Who can become a member?
There are no serious restrictions for participants. It is recommended to create mixed groups, where there are both men and women.
It is better to take people whose age and position do not differ much, since the very appearance of a boss restrains subordinates.
The group should have an approximately equal number of active and passive members.
Skeptical people are not invited.
Sometimes it makes sense to periodically introduce new members to the group - they are able to make fresh proposals.
How many people are taking part?
The most optimal composition of the group is from six to twelve people. It is not recommended to break the team into smaller subgroups. In addition, the quantitative composition directly depends on the number of active participants. The more of them, the smaller the team will be. Instead of 10 inactive ones, you can take, say, 5 active ones. But the quality will not suffer from this.
Location selection
Brainstorming should be prepared in advance. It is logical to use a separate audience for this, away from prying eyes. You can hang posters on the walls with the rules for brainstorming.
It's nice to have a board where people can jot down their ideas. Tables are arranged in a circle. This will increase the level of contact of the participants. For groups of six to seven people, a round table would be ideal. Healthy humor will help create an atmosphere of ease and relieve unnecessary stress.
Duration
Typically, the duration ranges from forty to sixty minutes. This is the best option.
Fifteen minutes will be enough to solve simple problems. The most successful time for brainstorming is considered to be the morning, from about ten to twelve o'clock. However, you can organize people from fourteen to eighteen hours.
What problems can be solved by brainstorming?
Brainstorming is exactly the method that allows you to deal with any problem, but only if it has several solutions. If the question has only one solution, then it makes no sense to use brainstorming.
Also this method is unsuitable for abstract topics.
By the way, using this method, you can collect information, not just ideas.
When is the topic of brainstorming announced?
Of course, the topic of future discussion is disclosed in advance. For example, two or three days. Participants have time to think things through. But it is possible to conduct brainstorming in such a way that the topic becomes known only immediately at the start of discussions.
What role does the leader play?
The main task of the leader is to inform all people about the rules of the method. He also supervises their observance.
The leader himself must also actively generate ideas and participate in discussions, because the goal of brainstorming is the maximum number of options. A good leader prepares a series of proposals in advance. He selects the members of the group in a couple of days. The whole process of carrying out falls on him, and the final result largely depends on him.
How are ideas evaluated?
To evaluate the proposed ideas, you need to select criteria in advance. It can be practicality, simplicity of solution, and relevance. Evaluation can be carried out by both group members and other specialists.
A little about the rules
The first rule: it is forbidden to criticize any ideas expressed during the discussion. In brainstorming, the bet is on the number of proposals. Let some be stupid and insolvent, but among them there will certainly be good ones.
The second rule: free thinking and encouragement of absolutely all ideas. One of the goals of brainstorming is to find non-standard ways to solve problems and situations, otherwise it can all become like a regular meeting, which initially kills any initiative. For a creative approach, people need a special atmosphere and attitude.
The third rule: offer a huge range of ideas. In this method, the priority is quantity, not quality.
Fourth rule: writing down all ideas is mandatory. When conducting an assault, absolutely all thoughts expressed should be recorded. For clarity, this can be done with a marker on the board.
Fifth rule: Thinking about ideas. When all thoughts have already been expressed, the participants should be given time to comprehend everything. This will give the person time to rest, and at the same time he can evaluate what is happening.
Stages of brainstorming
Knowing the rules of the assault, you can talk about its stages.
Instead of an afterword
Brainstorming is a creative process that allows participants to open up in an informal setting. This phenomenon has found a very wide application in everyday life. In itself, as a method of solving problems, it is very interesting. Where can brainstorming be used? Examples of its use can be seen, for example, on television. Recall such well-known programs as “What? Where? When?" or "Brain Ring". Yes Yes. They are based just on this method. However, games are not the only niche, the development of Alex Osborne is very often used in completely different areas, which indicates its popularity.
Brainstorming training.
The method of "brainstorming" is also called "brainstorming", referring to the attack on tasks. But there is a beautiful and instructive legend about a torpedo attack associated with the author of this method of collective thinking. This legend gives the method, along with a beautiful name, a certain heroic charm, which is so important for children. Tell this story to the children.
During World War II, U.S. Naval officer Alex Osborne was the captain of a merchant ship that sailed between America and Europe, ferrying military equipment and food from America. Once in the Atlantic Ocean, the ship was unguarded, and a radio message was received about a possible attack by a German submarine. Against a boat armed to the teeth, the ship was a defenseless target for target practice. In the tradition of the times of great geographical discoveries, Osborne gathered the entire crew on deck and announced that they could soon become food for sharks. What to do?
One of the crew members proposed a "brilliant" idea: when the crew sees the foam trail of a torpedo rushing to the side of the ship, all sailors should stand at the side and blow on the torpedo together, and it will turn away from the ship like a balloon. (A torpedo has been known to pierce the hull of merchant ships and explode inside the ship.)
Fortunately, the voyage ended safely, but the dashing sailor's crazy idea turned out to be fruitful. Osborn put powerful water pumps on the sides of his ship and once he really “blowed off” a torpedo with a strong jet of water, which saved the ship and the life of the crew and himself.
Osborne thought - a crazy idea saved lives, there is something here! Maybe there is a rational grain in any idea? They say that this is how the idea of creating brainstorming method, which was very popular in the sixties, it was considered the most promising, taught at universities and developed many modifications.
Brainstorming technique.
Consider first the classical brainstorming technique for solving "adult" problems, and then its multi-purpose use for children. At first glance, the method is extremely simple, as it contains only four steps:
1. Statement of the problem.
2. Promotion of ideas.
3. Discussion of ideas.
4. Making a decision.
To solve a specific problem, a group of specialists from 5-15 people gathers. They have a clear task ahead of them. They think and freely, without discussion, offer any solutions. These decisions are recorded and analyzed by other people who formulate the final decision. Everything seems to be simple, but not quite. Generating ideas is a delicate matter.
As you noticed, Osborne divided the solution of the problem into two stages:
Generating ideas without any criticism;
Reflection, criticism, analysis of ideas and development of a solution.
Why did Osborne do this? He found a solution to the contradiction:
Controversy 1: if new ideas are severely criticized, they will acquire "strength", improve, but at the same time, "idea generators" will lose all desire to generate new ideas, but they must be generated.
Controversy 2: if new ideas are not criticized and discussed, then this does not discourage the generation of new ideas, but it is unreasonable to accept "raw" ideas for execution without criticism. How to be? As you understand, Osborne separated these two processes - generation and criticism - in time and assigned them to different people. This, in addition to the main effect (the generators retained the desire to generate, and the ideas will be calmly comprehended), gave a super-effect: it became possible for these two operations to select people with the necessary abilities.
So, features of the stage of generating ideas.
First, for generating ideas specialists of various profiles are invited: active, uninhibited, able to generate non-standard ideas from the standpoint of different sciences. Born skeptics, critics, whiners are not invited to the first stage.
Secondly, a benevolent, relaxed, respectful, joyful atmosphere of communication between smart people who are interested in a good idea is created.
Thirdly, it is strictly forbidden not only to criticize the ideas expressed, but even a hint of criticism, and even more so ridicule. It is known that even the expectation of criticism kills the desire to generate ideas. Ideas are expressed without proof or explanation. You can put forward any ideas, even absurd ones, as they can serve as a springboard to a strong solution.
Everyone is given the right to make a mistake. Discussion of ideas is prohibited, but encouraging remarks, especially the development of ideas of colleagues and the compilation of their combinations, are welcome. Note that if the modern audience is erudite, the use of all methods of activating thinking is encouraged: associations, analogy, inversion, empathy, Trizian problem solving techniques, heuristic techniques ... if only more ideas were put forward. Well, if the generation session takes place at the pace of an acute-game hockey match, then a lot of non-standard ideas “splash out” in a short time.
Session generating ideas continues until the idea stops. It usually takes 20-60 minutes, and the number of ideas can be many dozens.
Fourth, all ideas are written down.
The next stage is the analysis of ideas and the development of a solution.
Other people are invited to work at this stage - analysts who slowly, taking into account the specific conditions and requirements of the task manager, analyze the proposed ideas for the content of rational considerations in them.
It has been noticed that a person continues to think about the task even after the assault, so a second assault can be carried out the next day. You can also enter a joint discussion of the final solution, which may receive additional ideas.
It should be noted the great role of the leader of the discussion. He must know the aims and subject matter well, be patient, benevolent and witty. The success of the discussion depends on how he sets up the audience and manages the generation process.
It is desirable that the manager speaks about the importance of a good solution for the task setter, about a good reward for a strong solution. The leader must monitor the level of ideas. If only banal, practical ideas without a "zest" began to arrive, he himself must offer a fantastic idea or offer 5-10 minutes to generate only fantastic, fabulous ideas. The leader must follow the development of "chains of ideas", should not allow "loss of ideas": if someone proposed a new idea that opens a new direction and everyone forgot about the old chain of ideas, then you need to find the right moment and return the audience to the old idea.
Osborne said: "The number of ideas turns into quality. Every idea has a rational grain." Did you understand that brainstorm is somewhat improved collective trial and error. Now we would say that Osborne used the systemic effect of combining the efforts of two groups of people.
Advantages of the brainstorming method.
The method is very simple, accessible to both children and adults, effective, even if the participants are not very competent. No preliminary training is required for participants, except for the facilitator, who must know the theory of the method, the methodology for conducting sessions and types of thinking.
This is a collective method of solving problems, therefore, a systemic effect is triggered - the power of decisions increases from the combined efforts of many people (the effect of the "collective" mind) and the ability to develop each other's ideas.
- Brainstorm can be used daily to develop fantasy and imagination and to liberate the minds of children.
It can be shown that the same problem has many different solutions, and each is correct, but only for its specific conditions.
Can be taught children are not afraid to speak their minds remove the fear of criticism and the fear of making mistakes.
Can to teach to listen to comrades, to respect both one's own and other people's opinion, to make the group friends(Class). - You can raise the status of a timid child, make him more courageous and relaxed, if you pay general attention to his decisions, albeit weak ones.
Can teach children positive criticism.
The method almost does not require preliminary preparation for classes from the teacher.
There is one curious application of the looseness effect in the study of foreign languages. At the first lesson, a completely relaxed, cheerful atmosphere is created. Everyone jokes, fools around, an atmosphere is created, as if everyone already knows how to speak a foreign language - and on the third or fourth day they really begin to speak. It's bad, using both foreign and Russian words, but to speak! The barrier - it's hard to start talking - has been passed because it wasn't set. And the secret is simple: students do not have to be afraid of criticism, failure and ridicule.
Disadvantages of the brainstorming method.
not suitable for solution complex problems and difficult tasks. For example, such: "Is the soldier free from ethical standards?" This is a debatable issue, because the soldier took an oath to carry out any orders. And if the order is immoral?
Like trial and error, brainstorming does not have criteria for assessing the strength of decisions.
- There is no clear algorithm purposeful movement towards a strong solution.
decision process must be skillfully managed to move towards a strong decision. The role of the leader of the assault is great. Half of the success depends on the leader.
Areas of application of the brainstorming method.
brainstorming method well solve:
- organizational tasks, especially if there is a shortage of time and information;
Problems of application and improvement of products, problems management and marketing.
Reverse brainstorming.
Mention should be made of a curious variety brainstorming - reverse brainstorming. In this method, the inverse is not the goal and not the methodology, but topic of discussion. Experts are invited to look not for ways of a positive solution, but ways of how to further aggravate the problem, how to bring the conflict to the extreme. This is necessary in order to identify the problem, identify the shortcomings and hidden causes of the situation, and then do the opposite, that is, solve them.
Use of brainstorming techniques when working with children.
We looked at the technique mainly for adults, but how to use the ideas brainstorming when working with children?
At first define goals:
Teach children generate ideas. At the same time, it is not necessary to demand from children that each of their ideas be correct and rational.
Teach children to boldly express their ideas "in public".
Teach children fantasize.
Teach children to speak one at a time, listen to other children without interrupting, respect other people's opinions.
Support timid child, praising his idea, even if it's weak.
Assess the overall children's activity.
Possible order of brainstorming in the group.
1. Divide children into two groups. One group: "Idea Generators", another group: "Insightful Analysts" or "Experts".
2. Explain children the rules of the game, talk about the responsibilities of both groups. Emphasize that you can express any ideas, the wildest and most fantastic, no one will laugh. Everyone should come up with at least one idea, the more the better. Give out chips for all ideas, you can have different colors.
3. Set a task for both groups.
4. Ask "generators" to express their decisions, and "analysts" to listen carefully, remember or write down all ideas, but be silent! If there is a hubbub at the "generators", then this is normal, even good. Children must throw out their emotions along with their ideas. The time for "yelling" must be steadily reduced, after a while children learn to "yell" in turn, and then speak normally in turn.
I. Vikentiev suggested a very good technique for calming the noisy class. It is necessary to agree in advance with the group that everyone will be silent when the teacher clap his hands loudly and stretch his hands forward. Need to practice for a few days. children- say: "Make some noise! And when I clap your hands, shut up at the same moment." More than three repetitions of the command in one exercise should not be done - children may not calm down, they just like to make noise.
If a children already trained in the beginnings of strong thinking, then during the session brainstorming invite them to help themselves fantasize (control their thinking) using the methods of analogies, associations, empathy, inversion, figurative representation, etc. Common sense and all tricks are never excluded TRIZ if they are known to young idea generators.
5. All ideas children you have to manage to write it down on the board or memorize it. Appropriate tape recorder.
6. When the ideas run out, it is necessary to give the floor to "analysts". Let them evaluate each solution in a friendly manner and choose a few of the best ones, as well as offer their own solutions.
Be sure to provide an opportunity each child to defend his decision, find him the optimal area or conditions of application. This is a very important point - the ability to defend one's opinion or agree with stronger arguments is developed.
Praise all children, mark the most active and witty.
7. Change next time children roles. The best "generators" and "analysts" will soon come to light.
8. Generally speaking, divide guys into two groups is not necessary, both operations can be performed by the same children, but only the operations must be spaced apart in time.
9. A great stimulus for activity is staging children in a situation where they need to save someone, help someone, advise someone. Only this "someone" must be a "good person". "Let's help the little bird, Little Red Riding Hood, Alyonushka..."
Teach children ask yourself questions:
What parts are involved in the task?
What properties do these parts have that can help solve the problem?
For example, the task: you need to quickly (!) cool a glass of boiling water. How to be? It is required to find 10 solutions.
What is in the task statement? A glass, boiling water, you, the kitchen and everything in the kitchen is a resource for solving a problem. We use techniques: "intermediary" + physical effect (transition of heat from a hot to a cold body).
Solutions:
Add cold water, tea leaves or milk.
Pour into a saucer, into a soup plate, into a massive bowl.
Pour from glass to glass many times, keeping them at a great distance from each other.
Add a lot of jam or sugar.
Funnel.
Immerse cold spoons.
Put in the freezer, in a pot of cold water, in the snow...
It happens that children unanimously repeat a previously expressed idea without offering their own. Do not exacerbate the situation, ask: "What will you offer yours?". Repeat the question to the child in person. Sometimes the children are silent. Nobody has any idea. Ask leading questions, refer to the smartest or most perky child. Fluff them up. If it was not possible to establish the generation process, then the proposed topic did not inspire the children, they are bored or they are afraid to take part in the discussion.
Brainstorming topics for kids.
Let's start with "classic" examples. (Solutions to some problems are given at the end of the section.)
1. How to deliver a heavy Robinson pirogue to the sea?
2. How to measure the length of all poisonous snakes in a terrarium?
3. How to protect pedestrians from icicles falling from roofs?
4. How to protect the pool from which drinking water is supplied to the city from bathers?
5. How to heat people on the streets in severe frost?
6. How not to quarrel with mom?
7. How to save a dog floating on an ice floe down the river into the ice drift?
8. What would you suggest to make wildly fun?
9. How to save the birds in the harsh winter starvation?
10. How can you draw on asphalt?
11. It is necessary to stir sugar in a glass of hot tea when there is no spoon. What to do?
12. What happens if elephants grow to the size of a blue whale? (The height of the elephants reaches 4.5 m, and the weight is up to 5 tons, the length of the whales reaches 30 m, and the weight is more than 100 tons.)
13. What will happen if the length of the legs is increased ten times in hares?
14. Think of the house of the future. (Formulate the functions of the house, improve them, reverse them, formulate the needs of the person, let the house satisfy them).
15. What will happen if all the wolves are destroyed?
16. What will happen in the lakes if all pikes are destroyed?
17. Come up with an insect with unusual properties.
18. How to make a multi-colored piece of ice?
19. How can the hero of a fairy tale be saved? What should he do?
20. How can a hen save her chicks from a kite?
21. How can you greet a person?
22. How can astronauts fix small objects flying around the cabin (pens, comb, notepad...): with a magnet, Velcro, paper clip, spring clamp, pin... What methods will not work?
23. Aborigines of Australia catch turtles when they crawl ashore. They are simply turned over on their backs, and they become completely helpless. How to help them?
24. The number of people on Earth is rapidly increasing. There will come a time when there will not be enough food, water, fuel, space. What to do?
25. The leader of the tribe must determine who is more: men or women? He can only count up to 10, and there are more than 100 people in the tribe.
26. How to get into a room without opening the doors?
27. How to get an icicle from the roof?
28. How to decorate the classroom for the New Year?
29. What can you put in a cake to make it delicious?
30. Where in the room can you hide the doll?
31. Where did I hide the candy?
32. How to ensure 100% school attendance?
33. What qualities of birds would you like to have?
34. How to find the smartest person in the kingdom?
35. What is useful and what is harmful mosquito?
Tasks.
1. The family goes on vacation for a month. Houseplants need to be watered. How to be?
2. How can you determine the time if there is no clock?
3. What should be done so that the Barbie doll is never lost?
4. It is necessary to clean the inside of the winding pipe. How to be?
5. Come up with a new unseen natural phenomenon. How can you help yourself dream?
Answers to tasks.
1. It is clear that some preliminary action must be taken. It is better to use different methods together.
Ask neighbors to come water; put the pots in a basin of water; fill the bottles with water, turn them over and stick them in the ground; bury a wick (cotton cord) in the ground of a flower pot, and place the other end in a jar of water; take flowers to neighbors; cover the plants with glass jars or plastic bags; distribute flowers.
2. The acceptable answer depends on the specific circumstances. Make a phone call; turn on the radio and wait for the exact time to be announced; go outside and ask a passerby; approximately can be determined by the position of the sun or moon; by the first roosters; by the number of passers-by on the street; by feeling of hunger; by flowers; according to the position of the "plate" of the sunflower; according to the behavior of the dog (whether she wants to go for a walk) ...
3. Do not take the doll out of the house; tie to a dress; always play in one place; put always in the same place; do not let anyone play; put an automatic squeaker into the doll, which beeps every half hour.
4. We use, for example, the "intermediary" technique: rinse with water and sand; blow with a vacuum cleaner; drive a cat inside the pipe; ignite on a fire, and then pierce and clean; clean with a rotating flexible cable.
5. Hint: what natural phenomena do you know? Wind, rain, snow, landslides, thunderstorms, eclipses, northern lights... Make them unusual: boost, flip, swap... For example: raining candy and toys... Rapid movement of continents...
