Summary
This B1 level lesson explores effective brainstorming techniques for creative teams. Students will learn to prepare for brainstorming, understand the importance of a facilitator and diverse participants, and practice methods like round-robin, five whys, and figure storming. The lesson emphasizes generating a quantity of ideas and creating a supportive environment. It includes video analysis, vocabulary building, and practical exercises to improve collaborative problem-solving and idea generation skills.
Activities
Engage in discussions about personal creative thinking experiences, sharing successes and challenges in past brainstorming sessions and preferred methods for generating new ideas.
Analyze video excerpts detailing essential preparation steps for brainstorming and explaining various techniques such as round-robin, five whys, and figure storming, reinforcing comprehension through targeted questions.
Apply the five whys method to drill down to the root cause of a sample problem and creatively use figure storming by adopting the perspectives of well-known personalities to generate unique solutions.
Focus on grammatical structures for giving instructions and advice, such as imperatives and sequencing words, by rewriting tips for effective brainstorming and collaboratively developing a set of meeting rules.
Participate in a practical role-play where students alternate as facilitator, leading a brief brainstorming session using a learned technique, and then critically reflecting on the process and outcomes as a group.
Develop a comprehensive plan for a brainstorming session addressing a specific workplace challenge, detailing objectives, ideal participants, chosen icebreakers and techniques, time allocation, and required resources.
Vocabulary focus
Learn key terms for effective brainstorming such as facilitator, icebreakers, mindset, diverse perspectives, distinguishing quantity over quality, identifying the root cause, and using tools like a flipchart. Explore specific techniques like round-robin, charette method, five whys, figure storming, and even a brainstorm competition.
Grammar focus
This lesson focuses on language for giving instructions and advice. Students will practice using imperatives (e.g., "Start with..."), phrases for instructions (e.g., "You need to...", "You should..."), sequencing words (e.g., "First...", "Next...", "Finally..."), and expressions for giving advice (e.g., "I recommend...", "It's important to...").
