Reverse Brainstorm

Reverse Brainstorm

The aim is to think of solutions which could make the problem worse, then reverse them by turning them into new innovative solutions.

1. The challenge is written on the whiteboard in a simple sentence.  
2. 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?’
3. 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?
4. The students write their ideas on paper or post-its.
5. 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.
6. The teacher discusses the ideas created with the groups.

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.

Inspired by: http://www.ideasforideas.com/