An AZ of methodology: Brainstorming

What and why?

Brainstorming is the name given to a number of techniques used for
generating and gathering ideas. The basic principle is that the students suggest
ideas which may be collected, for example, on the blackboard. During the
collecting of ideas, all ideas suggested are noted down only after the
brainstorming is finished are the ideas discussed, grouped or eliminated.
Brainstorming can encourage students to speak out and share ideas. It also gives
the teacher an immediate impression of how much the students already know
about something.
Practical ideas
There are a number of different ways you can approach brainstorming.

Write What do we know about (name of the topic)? in big letters on the
blackboard. Place a circle round it and some lines out from the circle. Ask
the students what they know about the topic. As they say things, write
them around the circle.

Write What do we know about (name of the topic)? in big letters on the
blackboard. Give the students a few minutes to note down ideas by
themselves. Then collect their ideas on the board.

As above, but students work in small groups.

As above, but play some soft music while they are thinking/discussing.

Students work in groups to generate ideas and then cross-group (see

group work) to compare. You can use different types of music during
these stages.

The brainstorming can be put up on a poster and referred to and added

to over a number of lessons.

Brainstorming doesnt have to be about things they know. It can be about

things they would like to know. Students can build up a question poster.

Brainstorming can be done in English or in the mother tongue.