Activating Strategies MicroPD Course

Brainstorming

Students brainstorm what they already know about the topic to be learned. Let students think of as many ideas as possible.

Try to limit conversation and judgment about individual ideas.

Include all ideas, even if they are off topic.

Adaptations of brainstorming:

After brainstorming, have students categorize the ideas.
Post brainstorming lists and revise as the lesson goes on.
During brainstorming, assign categories and labels. Encourage students to think of as many different categories as possible. Use a web to help connect the categories and ideas to the topic.
Post different categories or subtopics around the room and have students move to each and add what they know. You may want to use different colors for groups or pairs.