Brainstorming

Brainstorming is one of the most critical strategies, which allows an individual to think critically and creatively and pays absolutely no attention to the technicalities and conventions of writing. Additionally, it allows individuals, whether in a group or individually, to generate new ideas pertaining to a specific idea in the absence of criticism and judgment

Brainstorming is a relatively simple way of generating ideas and can be used in every writing situation or any situation which requires critical thinking and drawing on new knowledge and or ideas.

During brainstorming, there are a number of effective techniques that are used to record thoughts and ideas.

Of the major techniques of brainstorming is free writing. Free writing is termed a method or technique in which the writer writes for a specific amount of time, ignoring the rules of grammar and the mechanics of writing altogether. The product of this activity is that it produces material which may make absolutely no sense to anybody but the reader. The benefit however, is the fact that the writer would have cleared his mind of all the ideas directly related to the topic. Additionally, it allows for freedom of expression and as well helps students find focus in writing their essays.. There is no attention directed to the quality of the product or the style. Essentially speaking, free writing allows an individual to record his thoughts on a specific topic without editing or stifling his thoughts

Breaking down the topic into different levels is yet another effective strategy used during brainstorming. This helps differentiate the topic from the sub topics and the general aims or topics.

In some cases, it is not always possible to record thoughts in an essay type or in a form that mirrors a composition. In cases such as these, a student may simply write down the words or phrases that they think of which captures the main idea in the topic or in some way is related to the topic. 

Evaluating something from different perspectives is yet another strategy that proves effective in the brainstorming process. Evaluating a topic or subject from three perspectives allows for a detailed description of the topic taking into consideration the components and differences and as well, trace its’ historical background. This helps the writer gain knowledge as to the developments and changes of the topic over a specific period of time. Tracing the subject also allows the reader to discern the significance of the events that influenced change in the subject.

Another effective strategy for brainstorming is Cubing. Cubing allows the writer to view the topic from six different directions. This strategy helps the reader focus on the subject by focusing on six specific objectives:  Describing it, Comparing it, Associating it, Analyzing it, Applying it and Arguing for and against it. It allows the writer to use various approaches to broaden the awareness of the topic. When the writer employs these strategies collectively, it not only helps them develop the subject but it also helps with critical thinking and allows the writer to identify any patterns related to the topic.

Motivating students to use these strategies require effort not only from the students but from the teachers as well. There are a number of strategies which contribute to students developing a positive attitude toward the idea of brainstorming. Some of these strategies include:

a)Practice:  As it pertains to developing a students’ ability for effective brainstorming, opportunities for practice should be made available. As the old adage says, practice makes better. Continuous practice allows for the development and quick improvement and success in the skill. Practice is essential in developing an individuals’ ability to brainstorm.

b) Be excited: It is important that the teacher shows some interest and excitement toward the strategy. Demonstrating a level of interest motivates students into wanting to adopt the various strategies.

The above mentioned strategies help students generate ideas from prior knowledge and use it to construct the first draft of an essay or to engage in prewriting. It is important to allow students to go through the thinking process in order to more or less create an outline and formulate the main idea and main issue that will be dealt with in the essay. The advantage of that is that it makes the writing process much easier and less of a headache.