Brainstorming for School Improvement

Originally this was posted on my wordpress blog at https://moralityisthefoundationblog.wordpress.com

Brainstorming is a way for the individual to get their ideas out and come up with solutions for not only problems but for situations and ways in which something can be done better. Key concepts of Brainstorming is that it is a creative attempt, it involves collective participation, and it is beneficial. While we have the definition brainstorming another concept is laying out the rules for brainstorming. Rules are important whereas it produces boundaries and provides guidance for the participants of brainstorming to follow through with it. The boundaries suggest certain behavior will not be tolerated and the guidance provides direction and structure. Key concepts in the rules for brainstorming are influx of ideas, creative thinking, inclusive participation, avoiding criticism and judgement (negative verbal and physical body language) and the idea of building on each others idea. Influx of ideas gives the idea that everyone at the table has something to offer, it yields the concept of teamwork in knowing that no opinion, remark and etc. should be left unsaid.

Thinking outside of the box provides individuals an openness (safe space) at the table whereas the individual learns that no comment/remark/idea is considered dumb, only the ones possibly left unsaid. This concept alone yields many things alongside creating openness and safe space. It builds trust, the wilingness/the opportunity provided to the individual to be able to think outside of the box shows that the leader and its team cares about what they have to say. It too, also yields confidence in the individual and overall team in being able to speak in front of others and it provides innovation. Thinking outside of the box yields a new way of doing things. Inclusive participation is a concept that yields involvement, inclusion and importance. This concept goes hand in hand with influx of ideas and thinking outside of the box. Avoiding criticism and judgement is a concept most important of them all as it will/can hinder a groups progression as well as the individual within the group’s progression. If individuals within the brainstorming group are arguing, criticizing and so forth it severs the “thinking outside of the box” brainstorming concept thereby keeping individuals from wanting to talk, express themselves and make valid points. Last, building on each others ideas will provide help  in knowing that each and every person come with their own talents and experiences but when all the ideas come together and are invested in, it can/will create a rich pool of resources and talent that can be counted on.

Brainstorming can be used in a real school setting in many ways. Matter of fact, it can be used in a very productive way. When brainstorming, calling a meeting to all parties involved (admins, teachers, and etc) is important , second, sending out memos, emails and so forth are also important. Prior to the meeting starting, its important to have a meeting space that is not preoccupied prior to meeting, provide comfortable seating, have appropriate materials (pens, paper and etc), decide from the participatory aspect how will everyone participate (will they be using white boards, powerpoint). This concept can create school improvement because it teachers proper communication and preparedness, moreover, it teaches organization. Overall brainstorming can be

used in a school setting to analyze data and create school improvement based on the inquiry action cycle. With brainstorming a problem will be acknowledged and solution via organizing thoughts from brainstorming can assist in finding solutions.