Reverse Brainstorm
Author: Ilse Fraussen
Facilitated by the teacher
The aim is to think of solutions which could make the problem worse, then reverse them by turning them into new innovative solutions.
20-30 mins
Groups of 5-10
Whiteboard, pen, paper & post-its
Steps
- The challenge is written on the whiteboard in a simple sentence.
- The challenge is then reversed e.g. if the challenge is 'How can you reduce the number of fatal car accidents?’ this becomes 'How can we cause more fatal car accidents?’
- The students think of ideas which offer a solution to this reversed challenge. How can you make the problem worse than better instead of finding a solution for it?
- The students write their ideas on paper or post-its.
- When the students have created a 'more damaging ideas' list, they then turn them around i.e. turn these ideas into positive ones. In this way, students will create a list of solutions for the original challenge.
- The teacher discusses the ideas created with the groups.
Reflection
Additional help on using Reverse Brainstorm can be found at: http://www.ideasforideas.com/
The activity could be done using online tools such as Padlet, virtual whiteboard and breakout rooms in Teams/Zoom.
The activity could be done using online tools such as Padlet, virtual whiteboard and breakout rooms in Teams/Zoom.
Inspiration
Inspired by: http://www.ideasforideas.com/