Issue link: http://ncumarketing.uberflip.com/i/1089890
Additional brainstorming techniques You don't need your computer or software to brainstorm. Here are a few easy techniques you can do with nothing more than a pen and a piece of paper. Pros and cons: You can use an old fashioned pros and cons list to think out ideas for your writing projects. For instance, if you were going to research banning digital devices in public school classrooms, you could use this method to explore the idea. Pro: Students may be less distracted. Con: Students may not have the same access to information. Pro: Students without money for high-tech devices may feel less singled out. Con: Students and parents may feel anxious about not being able to contact each other in the event of an emergency, especially with the perceived threat of school violence. Role playing: You don't have to be a part of a team to use role playing to think up new ideas or new angles on existing ideas. By assuming the identity of someone else, you can gain a new perspective on nearly any topic. To do this as an individual, you simply need to put yourself in a variety of mindsets, like this: • I'm not a local, how might that change what I think or feel about this topic? • I'm from the future looking back on this situation, what might I think or feel about this situation? • I'm from the past, and I'm seeing this situation with no preconceived notions, what might I think or feel about it? • I have a family, how does that change my opinion about this topic? • I don't have a family, how does that change my opinion about this topic? The "why" game: Asking yourself "why" is not a new creative exercise, but asking yourself "why" five times takes this concept to the next level. To try this you first need to ask yourself a question based on the topic you're exploring, and ask yourself "why"? When you have an answer, ask yourself "why" again. Topic: More funding will help public schools perform better. Why #1: "Why will more funding help public schools perform better? Answer #1: "Because students will have more access to technology and supplies." Why #2: "Why will having access to technology and supplies help public schools perform better?" Answer #2: "Because students will have more resources and be able to compete with better funded schools." You can keep going in this manner until you've run out of questions and answers.