Also called brainstorming, this activity consists in a very open discussion during which students contribute and generate new ideas spontaneously

Instructions

• The tutor puts the concept, question of idea in the middle of the board and asks students to contribute their thoughts and comments in relation to it
• The tutor adds a suggestions from students as they are coming
• Once ideas have been contributed, the tutor invites students to rule out ideas and consider their importance and interrelations and makes changes accordingly

What the activity achieves

Thought showers are a very effective way to expand people’s thinking as well as generating a wide range of ideas so are particularly relevant when supporting problem solving or designing.

They can be a powerful ice-breaker and are high energy so are useful to “wake up” students and include variety during a tutorial

This activity is also part of a series of teaching activity cards developed by LEaD. Click the card picture to access it and other activities in a printable card format.

Online Synchronous version
Use whiteboard tool or OneNote/Online word doc and ask students to add thoughts in real time.

Online Asynchronous version
Use OneNote/Online word doc and ask students to add thoughts over a specific time period (1 week/3 days) you then revisit and review contributions in a live session or via a summary forum post.