Brainstorming.

Brainstorming is a method for developing creative solutions to problems. It works by focusing on a

problem, and then deliberately coming up with as many unusual solutions as possible by pushing
the ideas as far as possible.

Most problems are not solved automatically by the first idea that comes to mind. It is important to
consider many possible solutions to get to the best solution. One of the best ways to do this is
called brainstorming.

For example, a group of teachers was brainstorming how to encourage parents to participate
more in their children’s education. They reversed the statement: “How to discourage parents from
participating in their children’s education.” Here are some of their ideas, how they were double-
reversed and new ideas those led to:

• Keep school doors locked. • Keep school doors unlocked. • Open school for evening and
weekend activities. • Make teachers and principal seem remote and forbidding. • Make teachers
and principal seem real and human. • Share staff’s personal background with parents.

Never tell parents what children are studying. • Always tell parents what children are studying. •
Send parents advance information about major projects or units of study. • Never communicate
with parents. • Always communicate with parents. • Collect parents’ email addresses and provide
teachers’ email addresses.

Charantimath, P. (2011). Total quality management. New Delhi, India: Dorling KIndersley (India).