METHOD 1: Brainstorming

Brainstorming encourages creativity and generates many ideas quickly. It can be used for solving a specific problem, answering a question, introducing a new subject, raising interest, and surveying knowledge and attitudes.

Most brainstorming sessions follow this procedure:

1. Introduce a question, problem, or topic both orally and in writing on chart paper;

2. Invite participants to respond with as many ideas or suggestions as possible, ideally in single words or short phrases. Encourage everyone to participate but do not proceed in any set order;

3. Explain that until the brainstorm is complete, no one may repeat or comment on any response;

4. Record every response on chart paper. Often, the most creative or outrageous suggestions are the most useful and interesting;

5. Afterward, prioritize, analyze, or use the list to generate discussion or problem solving.

Examples of Method:

• The Human Rights Education Handbook: "Principles for a Human Rights Classroom," p. 50.
• The Human Rights Education Handbook: "Model 3: Three-day Workshop," p. 121.
• ABC: "Housing," "Energy," "Words That Wound," "What's a ëBoy'? What's a ëGirl'?" "Identifying Some Minority Groups." [www.unhchr.ch/html/menu6/2/abc.htm]
• Bells of Freedom: "Rules for Protection," "The Face of Hunger." [erc.hrea.org/Library/Bells_of_Freedom/index.html]
• First Steps: "A Definition of Fairness." [erc.hrea.org/Library/First_Steps/index.html]
• Here and Now: "Human Beings/Human Rights." [humanrts.umn.edu/edumat/hreduseries/hereandnow/Default.htm]