Critical Thinking Toolbox: How to Brainstorm

     In the article, Critical Thinking Toolbox: How to Brainstorm, children’s media/design authors, Hans and Nathaniel Bluedorn, describe ways students can practice brainstorming.  They give a step-by-step process with specific instructions called the Six Elements of the Perfect Brainstorm.  Some people are better at brainstorming than others.  I think it is great to realize that students can learn how or improve their skills with practice.  Brainstorming requires collaboration and creativity.  I think the one of the best parts of this exercise is that it engages students with their peers and requires them to cooperatively work together.
     The Bluedorns describe how different types of people see things differently and have different insight. This article encourages students to be open to the ideas of others and focuses on the importance of coming up with as many ideas as possible.  Brainstorming opens one’s curiosity and allows more ideas to flow.  Ideas build on other ideas. The Bluedorns recommend setting a time limit in brainstorming.  They also recommend having one person be in charge of writing ideas down. They explain that not all ideas are used but it is important to get the ideas out there because, even if an idea is not used, it may spur another idea.
     At the end of the article, the Bluedorns say that “seeing things from other perspectives makes us more critical thinkers, which in turn makes our brains bigger” (Bluedorn, E. & H., 2014, para. 10)  .and who wouldn’t want that? : )


Bluedorn, E. & H. (2014). Critical thinking toolbox: how to brainstorm. Retrieved on May 30, 2014 from:  http://www.edutopia.org/blog/critical-thinking-toolbox-brainstorm-hans-nathaniel-bluedorn