Purpose
Brainstorming is a pre-reading technique that can be used in large or small groups to help encourage students to begin focusing on a topic. Through brainstorming, students have the opportunity to develop ideas through a free flowing mentality, since student responses are not criticized or judged by the teacher or other students. In taking part in expressing ideas and listening to the ideas of others, student are able to better adjust their previous knowledge or understanding, increase awareness about a given topic, and process new information.
Procedures
To introduce a brainstorming activity, a teacher should pose a problem or question for students to consider. This should directly relate to an overall theme or idea related to the reading or topic covered. Students are then asked to free-write possible answers, relevant words, and ideas related to the given problem or question. Students may not feel comfortable writing in a stream-of-consciousness format, but with practice they will see the benefits of getting one's thoughts on paper that can later be organized into more formal writing. Some students may also shy away from sharing ideas in groups with other students, but brainstorming is an open activity that encourages all students to participate.
References: Central High School, 2012