Training 09: Brainstorming session to gather ideas from Learners

What is Brainstorming?
1) Method used to gather and review ideas contributed by a group of people.
2) There are few styles of Brainstorming.


Benefits of Brainstorming
1) Ideas are contributed by a group of Learners.
2) Learning via brainstorming is a method of constructive learning. Learners learn by constructing their own ideas with or without facilitator.
3) Knowledge is generated using knowledge, experience and ideas from a group of Learners.
4) Learners become active participants during brainstorming session of the Training.


Disadvantages of Brainstorming
1) Brainstorming is not suitable if the group of Learners are overly passive, lack knowledge, lacking in experience or do not wish to express ideas.
2) Brainstorming could sometime go OFF-The-Topic.
3) Facilitator may need to help out group which goes OFF-The-Topic during brainstorming.


Brainstorming Topics
1) One line topic
E.g. Membership Growth Ideas

2) One question
E.g. Why do Lions resign?

3) Structured
E.g. Heading: Leadership Training Ideas;
Subheadings: Presidents; Secretaries; Treasurers; Directors; Members;
Subheadings: Funding: Projects; Admin;
Subheadings: Lions Leadership; Project Management; Time Management.

4) 4M Analysis
E.g. Heading: Problems of Project Planning and Implementation;
Subheadings: Man; Material; Machine; Method.


Brainstorming Style
1) Fast ideas
Anyone in the group can give ideas. Facilitator encourages the Learners to think quickly and shout out their ideas.
2) Round robin
Every Learner takes turn to give out an idea. Facilitator would ask the Learner one after another.
3) Silent contribution
Each Learner is given a small piece of paper. He shall write his idea(s) on the paper and submit it back to the Facilitator.


In the next blog, I will be sharing about the use of Role Plays in Training.
http://LionsTraining.blogspot.com

***Michael***