The thought of a group discussion to generate ideas and opinions can make shy people feel uncomfortable, and finding the confidence for introverts to explain their ideas can be difficult.
Brainstorming sessions are often dominated by the more confident and extroverted people, which can be a problem when it comes to classroom discussions and group chats.
Here are our four tips to run a successful brainstorming session for introverts:
Allow time to plan beforehand
For introverted students, there is nothing worse than being expected to express their ideas whilst being put on the spot!
Giving students a brief of things to explore beforehand allows them time to let their ideas develop even further. This is likely to help them become more confident when explaining infront of other people.
Using laptop whiteboards is a great way for students to privately explore ideas in their own time as it allows them time to think thoroughly and erase any ideas that they aren’t particularly confident with.
When introverted students are more likely to engage, it definitely makes for a very practical brainstorming session!
Keep it visual
Keeping a visual display for all ideas that are generated throughout the discussion is a great way to keep all students engaged.
When running the brainstorming session, make sure that every student’s ideas are noted down.
When the most introverted of students are able to see their ideas on a group display, it can be a real confidence-boost and they will be more likely to express their ideas going forward!
Using large whiteboards or flipchart easels provides a great space to jot down ideas. Inviting students to write down their own ideas on a group piece of flipchart paper is a great way to get around introverts who aren’t confident in explaining their ideas verbally!
Sit in a group!
When you’re looking to create a successful brainstorming session, it’s important not to sit in the typical style of a classroom!
Invite your students to sit together as a group; preferably in a cirle. This avoids any chances of the less-confident people sinking into their chairs towards the back of a large classroom, completely avoiding the chat altogether.
Inviting students to sit in a circle can make the most introverted of people to feel involved in the discussion.
This type of brainstorming feels more intimate and when students are more engaged, they’re more likely to express their own ideas.
Ask everybody
Sitting in a circle as a group helps everybody to feel involved, but it also gives you a systematic way to ask each student for their ideas individually.
Asking for a volunteer to kick-off the discussion is a great way to get the ball rolling. Once you’ve got your first volunteer, work clockwise around the group to give every person the opportunity to showcase their ideas.
This again helps the most introverted of people plan ahead of their time to talk; making for better ideas and a more successful brainstorming session.
Running a successful brainstorming session doesn’t have to be difficult. Following these simple tips will help you get on the road to a great group discussion; helping introverted students feel more confident and generate amazing ideas!
