Students will brainstorm the concept of politics and the Canadian political system as a class or in groups.
Brainstorming Tools
- Post-it notes: Have students jot down terms and ideas on sticky notes and post them on a wall.
- Blackboard/Whiteboard/Smartboard: Teacher records students ideas, or students write their ideas on the board.
- Group brainstorm: Students can join small groups and brainstorm ideas and terms, then present their terms to the class. Teacher can record a master list of all terms.
- Pass a card around the class and have students write down their terms and ideas, or pose a question that will help contribute to discussing the idea. Teachers can read all ideas to the class.
- Google Docs or another preferred sharing platform and have students add terms.
- Google Jamboard
- Miro.com
- TheBrain.com
- SimpleMind app
Tips
- Remind students to respect others and listen to all ideas – there are no wrong answers.
- Teachers should not judge the value of any suggestions (unless inappropriate).
- Give students a hint with subheadings for related terms and ideas.
- Ensure your space is appropriate for the brainstorming method of your choice.
Once ideas have been exhausted, have students spend 10-20 minutes researching the topic on their own, then add to the existing list and note how many more terms were added from researching the idea. Discuss as a class how research is an effective tool to learn more about a topic.
Resources
How to Brainstorm in the Classroom