Idea grouping

Why?

This method provides the students with an overview of their many ideas and the related themes that they represent, so as to uncover patterns and links. This therefore enables the students to identify similar ideas and prevailing themes, which might indicate the direction in which they need to go.

How?

The teacher asks the students to group their ideas into overall themes or subthemes on a blackboard or a large collage (see illustration below). For example, solutions to create a better atmosphere at a nursing home could be themed into indoor and outdoor activities, decoration, trips, etc. The ideas guide the themes/subthemes that are relevant to apply. During this activity, the students may use different colours, linking lines, sketches, icons, etc. to illustrate the different themes/sub-themes and the links between them.

Tips

The method is very effective when students work in groups. Throughout the process, the students get an overview of other group members’ ideas and how they relate to each other. Additionally, when the idea grouping process has been carried out, the teacher can ask the students to look at other student groups’ themes for further inspiration in developing their own ideas.

Literature

Buzan, T. (1996) The mind map book. Revised edition. Reprinted. BBC Books. London