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
Step 1
Formulate the problem for which students have to come up with a solution.
Step 2
Use the word generator at https://randomwordgenerator.com/ 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.
Agree with the students that all ideas are allowed, there is no need to think (too) critically during brainstorming.
Step-by-step
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
Utilize an online word generator tool available at https://randomwordgenerator.com/ or alternatively, you can pick any random word from a dictionary.
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 Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Step 6
Together as a class, select the best and/or most feasible ideas from the compiled list.
This activity can be conducted online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
