Question Brainstorm

Loosely based on the question formulation technique developed by Rothstein and Santana (2011), a small group addresses a focus statement by brainstorming as many questions as possible.

Purposes

• To give participants practice in developing different kinds of questions
• To develop questions that provide a basis for in-depth study
• To recognize what kinds of questions lead to richer discussion

How It Works

• In small groups, participants are presented with a focus statement. Examples are “A learning organization cannot be fully realized without a strong commitment to unfettered discussion” and “Teams that regularly practice discussion are likely to have members who feel empowered.”
• Groups brainstorm as many questions as possible suggested by the focus statement. There is no stopping for discussion, judgment, or criticism. Comments are turned into questions whenever possible.
• Questions raised are written down as stated on a blackboard or easel.
• When groups feel they have gone as far as they can with their brainstorming, members begin to erase unpromising questions and underscore those meriting further consideration.
• Concentrating on the underscored questions, groups narrow these down to two or three by asking, “Which questions are most important?” “Which interest us most?” “Which energize us enough to make us want to pursue them further?”
• When groups decide on the two or three best questions, they discuss how to go about responding to them: “What resources would we need?” “What inquiry or research would we need to initiate?” “What discussions would we need to have?”
• The whole gathering convenes, and people reflect on the process.

Where and When It Works Well

1. In classrooms, organizations, teams, and communities that have been run on authoritarian, rigid lines. This technique is particularly valuable for settings in which people have not had a lot of opportunities to do creative work.
2. Situations in which routines, values, and visions have stayed the same. This is a good way to shake up organizations and communities and help them explore future possibilities.
3. With young people. College and high school students like the concrete guidelines provided and the opportunity to engage in an unrestricted brainstorm.

What Users Appreciate

1. Brainstorming. This exercise encourages unrestricted, creative thinking, and participants often report how refreshing this is.
2. The power of questions. Participants like seeing how well-framed questions foster creativity and inquiry.
3. The feeling of empowerment. When groups exercise control over question posing, they appreciate how this shapes the focus of their discussions.

What to Watch Out For

1. Killing brainstorming with critique. People unfamiliar with brainstorming find it hard to accept and encourage all questions, no matter how off the wall they seem. Emphasize that this exercise is meant to be an opportunity to unleash group creativity and to keep one's inner critic at bay.
2. Underestimating the value of questions. Finding solutions is culturally and organizationally valued over raising questions. In fact, asking lots of questions is often seen as a diversionary tactic or the exercise of an undisciplined mind. It's important to stress that how questions are framed is crucial for worthwhile discussion.
3. Premature jettisoning of questions. As groups look over their list of brainstormed questions there will be disagreement about which to keep and which to eliminate. Remind the group not to jettison a question before hearing everyone's view on it.
4. Confusion about future steps to answer questions. If people are used to having leaders and teachers prescribe how questions should be answered, they will struggle with taking responsibility for developing a plan to answer a group-generated question. You can share examples of how previous groups have done this or demonstrate how you've generated action steps to answer important questions in your own life.

Questions That Fit This Protocol

In this case, the focusing statements determine whether worthwhile questions end up being posed. As suggested, provocative and ambitious focus statements provide the best ground for the formulation of interesting and creative questions.