1. Brainstorm
Solutions
Problem Solving Module
Session 4

2. What is Brainstorming?
• To produce an idea or way of solving a problem by
discussion
• A group problem solving technique that encourages
contribution from all members
The term brainstorming came from Alex F. Osborn in his 1953
book called Applied Imagination.

3. Step #3: Brainstorm Solutions
• Once the problem has been analyzed, you can begin to develop
possible solutions
• This is a creative as well as practical step and every possible
solution or variation should be identified
• Use a brainstorming process to generate as many solutions as
possible
• We usually brainstorm in groups but it is also useful to be able
to do it individually
• Tools such as spider maps may help generate ideas

4. Brainstorming Rules
Don’t judge the ideas and thoughts of other
people.
• There is no such thing as a bad idea, all ideas have
the potential to be good ones
• Do not criticize ideas or compliment them
• Focus on the creation of ideas or solutions

5. Brainstorming Rules
Be spontaneous.
• Don’t worry about whether the idea or solution is
perfect- just get the idea out to the group
• Be creative

6. Brainstorming Rules
Quantity is fine!
• The more creative ideas you have to choose from or
work with the better
• Keep the ideas short- don’t worry about detail at this
point
• Go for quantity – you can narrow down the ideas
later

7. Brainstorming Rules
Build on others.
• Build and expand on ideas others have put forward
• Use ideas as inspiration
• Explore as many possibilities as you can

8. Brainstorming Rules
Everyone’s ideas have value.
• Every person has a unique perspective
• Everyone should feel free to contribute in a way that
makes them comfortable
• Even if you don’t participate out loud- write your
ideas down and share them

9. • There are no wrong answers at this stage
• Judgments should not be passed on another
person’s suggestions
• Allow time for the individual or each person in the
group to clarify his or her suggestion(s) so there is a
common understanding
Brainstorming Rules

10. Build Your Skills
• Letting go of assumptions, learning how to explain
things and thinking outside of the box will support
your ability to be able to brainstorm solutions to
problems.
• In the activities that follow, you will be building skills
that will help you brainstorm solutions to problems.

11. Activity: Letting Go of
Assumptions

12. Letting go of assumptions
Activity follow-up
• What prevented you from solving the problem?
• What beliefs were you holding on to?
• What other beliefs might you be holding on to that
prevent you from moving forward in problem
solving?

13. Activity: Explain It!

14. Activity:
A Perfect
Society

15. Activity- A Perfect Society
Guiding Questions
• What are the components of a perfect society?
• What laws govern a perfect society?
• What does daily life “look” like in a perfect society?
Write down all your ideas.
Include potential problems and solutions with the ideas
you brainstorm.

16. Activity: What
Makes You Happy?

17. Activity
Think
Outside
the Box

18. Using Diagrams or Graphic
Organizers to Brainstorm
• Using different types of diagrams or graphic
organizers can be a very good way to brainstorm
ideas
• There are several different types of diagrams
• Some examples include the spider chart, the star
diagram and the tree diagram

19. Spider Map
• A spider map is a type of graphic organizer that is
used to investigate and illustrate various aspects of a
single theme or topic, helping you organize your
thoughts.
• It looks a bit like a spider web.
Source: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/spider/

20. Star Diagrams
• Star diagrams are a type of graphic organizer that
condense and organize data about multiple traits,
facts or attributes associated with a single topic
• Star diagrams are useful for brainstorming about a
topic or simply listing all the major traits related to a
theme.
Source: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/star/

21. Tree Diagrams
• Tree diagrams are a type of graphic organizer that
show how items are related to one another. The tree’s
trunk represents the main topic, and the branches
represent relevant facts, factors, influences, traits,
people or outcomes.
• Tree diagrams can be used to sort or classify
information. A family tree is an example of a tree
diagram
Source: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/tree/

22. Activity: Diagram It

23. Practice
John was told by his boss four weeks ago that
he would have to do a big presentation at work.
The presentation needed to be prepared in
addition to a number of regular daily tasks. He
focused on his daily tasks and did a good job
completing them but the presentation kept
"slipping" his mind. On the night before the
due date of the presentation, he realized that he
had at least 8-10 hours' worth of work left to do
on the presentation. This wasn't the first time he
had procrastinated on a major work assignment
and left it until the last minute. Last year he
received a note on his personal file for a similar
situation.
• What are some
possible
solutions?

24. Milestone 15
• Provide directions to a
familiar location and
instructions on how to
carry out a familiar process.

25. Credits
This Power Point was created by Laubach Literacy Ontario.
The resources can be downloaded free of charge at www.laubach-on.ca.
This Employment Ontario project was funded by the Ontario Government. 2015
All website links were accurate at the time of original distribution-March 2015.
All of the images and clip art used in this Power Point are from Clipart.com and
Microsoft Office.com.