Idea Generation And Synthesis for Writing Facilitation and Interaction

1. Idea Generation And Synthesis for Writing Facilitation and Interaction IDENTIFY ADOPT EVALUATEE ANALYZE

2. Idea Generation and Synthesis Techniques • Brainstorming • Modified Brainstorming • Channels • Anti-Solution • Brainwriting • Synthesis • SCAMPER • Idea Box

3. Brainstorming • Free flowing idea generation technique • Write down all ideas as they are presented • No judging or pre-selecting • Encourage everyone to participate • Work list to point of “exhaustion” • Evaluate list on subjective and/or objective criteria

4. Brainstorming In Writing: Full Group Exercise Objective To Develop Awareness and Proficiency in the Use of Brainstorming in Writing 1. What Is The Purpose Of Brainstorming in Improving Student Writing? 2. What Are Some Rules for Developing Brainstorming Techniques for Improving Student Writing? 3. What Are The Key Challenges Of Using Brainstorming to Improve Student Writing? 15 Minutes Instructions Time

5. A A Modified BrainstormingTwo Approaches Channels Anti-Solution

6. Channels • List categories pertinent to the topic or issue on a flipchart or writing board • As ideas emerge, place them under the most applicable (appropriate) category • Approaches • “Free form”--Look for any idea, then categorize • One category at a time • Variation • Use “Post It” Notes to allow more flexibility in changing category titles and/or idea location

7. Anti-Solution • Fun approach to idea generation • Good at breaking tension • Process: • Brainstorm ways to make the situation “worse” • Once list completed, evaluate each “idea” • Consider ways to make it better • Example: Real objective-- “Develop better thesis sentences” • Anti-solution Objective-- “Develop weaker thesis sentences”

8. Brainwriting

9. Brainwriting:The Concept • Team approach to generate many ideas in short time • Combines many aspects of traditional brainstorming except: • No open discussion-ideas are written • Reduces tangents, “socializing”, and other distractions • Reduces “monopolizing” effect of vocal members • Increases input from less assertive members • Conflict/controversy management technique

10. Brainwriting:The Process • Identify a topic or discussion area • Each team member writes a single idea about topic on a sheet of paper--one idea per sheet (multiple ideas per person permitted) • Place all sheets in middle of table • Members take a sheet (not their own) from stack • Examine the idea • Make comments/suggestions/questions • Pass sheets around the table until all have seen • Evaluate ideas using some type of ranking scheme

11. Idea Synthesis Techniques • SCAMPER • Idea Box More sophisticated approaches to developing new ideas

12. SCAMPER • SCAMPER Is A Checklist Of Idea-Spurring Questions* S = Substitute? C = Combine? A = Adapt? M= Modify or Magnify? P = Put To Other Uses? E = Eliminate Or Minify? R = Reverse? = Rearrange * Some Of The Questions Were First Suggested By Alex Osborn, A Pioneer Teacher Of Creativity. They Were Later Arranged By Bob Eberle Into This Mnemonic

13. SCAMPER:The Process 1. Isolate the challenge or topic you want to think about 2. Ask SCAMPER questions about each step of the challenge or topic and see what new ideas emerge. Asking the questions is like tapping all over the opportunity with a hammer to see where the hollow spots are.

14. Parameter Hearts Spades Clubs Diamonds Jack Queen King Ace Five Two Eight Seven Four Ace Six Three Variation Idea Box • This is a integrated variation of the “Channels” modified brainstorming technique • A way to automatically combine the parameters of an opportunity into creative ideas • It is important to generate parameters and then list variations for each parameter • Example - cards

15. Idea Box:The Process 1.Specify Your Opportunity 2. Select The Parameters Of Your Opportunity 3. List Variations 4. Try Different Combinations

16. Improve Design For Laundry Hamper Material Shape Finish Position Wicker Square Natural Sits On Floor 1 Plastic Cylindrical Painted On Ceiling 2 Paper Rectangle Clear On Wall 3 Chute To Basement 4 Metal Hexagonal Luminous Net Material Cube Neon On Door 5 Idea Box:An Example

17. Idea Box:Improve the Writing Process Medium Communication Style Information 1 2 3 4 5

18. Idea Generation and Synthesis:Putting it All Together • Identify issues of substance • Determine opportunities for “creatively structured” collaboration • Pick a “brainstorming” approach • Apply • Evaluate • Now, give it a try….

19. Improving Student Writing Through Brainstorming Objective Generate Possible Solutions Using “Out Of The Box” Thinking Techniques 1. Pick an issue around student writing difficulty(ies) that you would like to develop a strategy to improve in that area 2. Select one brainstorming technique for generating ideas, using the materials from this presentation as a reference 3.Gather (brainstorm) several possible solutions, focusing on the assigned root cause 4. Narrow your list to three “top” solutions and be prepared to discuss the challenges and benefits of the technique(s) you used Instructions Time 25 Minutes

20. Further References On Brainstorming and Other Tools of Creativity • Games Trainers Play • ThinkertoysBy Michael Michalko • Games, etc. – How To Improve Learning Performance And Productivity • The Giant Book Of Team TechniquesBy Thiagi 812-332-1478 • Frame GamesBy Harold Stolovitch