It sounds contradictory, but constraints help well to think out-of-the-box. Random word stimulation is a powerful technique for coming up with new ideas. Use this form of work when students need to come up with solutions to a problem.
- Activity goal
- Brainstorm
- When
- In class
- Where
- Offline | Online
- Duration
- < 30 minutes
- Group size
- Small | Medium
Step-by-step plan
Step 1
Formulate the problem for which students have to come up with a solution.
Step 2
Use a word generator or go to any page in the dictionary, to choose any word.
Step 3
Have students think of as many solutions as possible to the problem in which that word should appear. You will see how many creative solutions emerge.
Step 4
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have enough ideas.
Step 5
Reflect on the list of ideas and select the best and/or most feasible ideas.
Consider the tools and materials mentioned here as suggestions. In many cases it’s possible to use alternative tools. Please turn to the Learning & Innovation team of your faculty first to see which online and offline tools are available and how to apply them.
Offline
- Word generator or dictionary
Tip 1
- Agree with the students that all ideas are allowed, there is no need to think (too) critically during brainstorming.
Step-by-step plan
Step 1
Present the students with a well-defined problem that requires a solution. This can be related to the course topic or any relevant subject matter.
Step 2
Use a word generator or go to any page in the dictionary, to choose any word.
Step 3
Share the generated word with the students and instruct them to brainstorm as many solutions as possible to the problem, incorporating the given word in each solution. This can be done in breakout-rooms or in the general online class.
Step 4
Repeat steps 2 and 3 multiple times, introducing new words for each round. This will encourage students to explore various approaches and ideas.
Step 5
After completing several rounds, compile the list of ideas generated during the activity on a Miro bord or visual whiteboard in Microsoft Teams.
Step 6
Together as a class, select the best and/or most feasible ideas from the compiled list.
Consider the tools and materials mentioned here as suggestions. In many cases it’s possible to use alternative tools. Please turn to the Learning & Innovation team of your faculty first to see which online and offline tools are available and how to apply them.
Online
- Word generator or dictionary
- This activity can be conducted online via Microsoft Teams
