Let's Learn How to make an idea list: This strategy is especially

appropriate to textual people, or those who are more

Nowadays, we are bombarded with different kinds of
comfortable in processing words than visuals. It simply
information from books, newspapers, magazines, and of
requires you to write the main topic and then write down all
course, the Internet. Going through this amount of
related concepts below it. Here is example of an idea list.
Information is not the only challenge; we also have to come
up with effective ways of processing them. Hence, one Topic - Unemployment.
important ingredient to successful reading and writing is our
1. Jobs 2.Poverty 3 Salary
ability to generate, select, and organize ideas. These can be
done through brainstorming, making a graphic organizer, 4. Lack of education 5. Lack of jobs 6. Low salary
and outlining.
7. Lack of money 8. Fresh graduates
Brainstorming
Another brainstorming method is making an idea map. It is a
Read the following situation. visual representation of ideas and their connections with one
another. Unlike the idea list, an idea map is more structured;
Patrick's class was tasked with the opening presentation
thus, it is able to show how one idea subordinates another
during their school's
idea. How to make an idea map: Put the big idea or question
Foundation Day. The school has already decided on a theme, at the center. Then, add a related idea by writing it down in a
and the class was simply required to decide its own concept circle near the hig idea, and drawing a line between the two
for the performance. Although Patrick facilitated the to show how the ideas are connected. Continue this process
discussion, all of his classmates were involved because they of connecting ideas until you have generated enough
all shared their own ideas After everyone has contributed an concepts.
idea, they evaluated the suggestions and decided to use
Gabriel's idea to do a musical skit.

What Patrick's group did is called brainstorming. It is perhaps

the most popular tool in generating creative and rich ideas. It
helps people establish patterns of ideas, develop new ways
of thinking, activate background knowledge, and overcome
mental block.

While brainstorming is commonly thought of as a group
activity, it can also be done Individually. In fact, some studies
show that individual brainstorming produces more Ideas.
This is partially so because in group brainstorming, people
focus too much on other people's ideas that they are unable
to generate ideas of their own.
However, group brainstorming might be a better option in
solving more complicated problems because it produces
ideas that are wider in range and greater in depth. This is
largely attributed to the fact that the experiences and
knowledge of each group member augment those of the
other members'.
Methods in Brainstorming
You can brainstorm effectively either by creating an idea list
or by making an idea map..
In general, remember to define the problem or the issue
that needs to be solved. If you are going to brainstorm on
your own, make sure to choose a comfortable place and
minimize distractions. Try using images to stimulate your
mind. For group brainstorming. make sure to create a fun
atmosphere all throughout the activity. If the members are
not used to working together, open with a warm-up exercise
or an ice-breaker. Assign a facilitator who will lead the
discussion, but give every member an equal opportunity to
contribute. Make sure not to criticize during brainstorming,
so as to create a free and open environment. To gain
different perspectives, try to vary your standpoints. Do not
forget to take short breaks during long sessions. At the end
of a brainstorming session, make sure to evaluate the ideas.

Creating an idea list simply involves listing ideas about a

particular topic. It also helps you find the main idea and
supporting details from the numerous ideas listed.