What Makes Synetics Brainstorming Different Fom Other Problem Solving Techniques?It is the case quite often that in a business setting, a business will encounter problems. The type of problems common to a business widely varies from the mundane to the extremely serious. When the serious problems arise, it is important to find a quick and comprehensive answer. However, brainstorming is not relegated to just the business world. It is a process that lends itself to many other applications. One application that is often overlooked is in a learning institution. There are times, especially in higher education facilities were a group of students are charged with coming up with a solution to a common social problem. When these tasks are at hand a useful tool in these types of studies is Synectics Brainstorming Synectics Brainstorming is a new and unique approach to problem solving in which creative thinking hinges on a group understanding of that which is different. One of the things that make Synectics Brainstorming so different from other problem solving techniques is that the main tools of use are analogy and metaphor. Synectics Brainstorming helps in developing new and innovative responses to problem solving, allowing one to open up to new possibilities and new information, as well as investigating social and disciplinary problems. Synectics Brainstorming is often specifically targeted to those whose tendency it is to veer away from traditional methods. When an educator leads students into Synectics Brainstorming it is important that he or she follows some very specific guidelines. The first step in Synectics Brainstorming is for the teacher to describe the topic. It may be a specific word, or a subject. This topic can be introduced in a small group, or individually. The teacher will then look for that topic to be described by the group or the individual. The second step in Synectics Brainstorming is to create direct analogies. This is when the teacher introduces a new word or subject and the group or individual creates comparisons between the two. The third stage is for the teacher to have the students create personal analogies. A teacher will have the students select on of the direct analogies and create personal analogies. This helps the students become the topic, then have them describe how it feels to be this particular topic. The next step in Synectics Brainstorming is to identify conflicts. The teacher will ask the students to pair words from step three, which seem to be in conflict with each other. It is important to have the student explain why they made the choices they did. Then the teacher will have the students vote on the one that they feel is the best. The fifth step in Synectics Brainstorming is to create a new direct analogy. With the conflict pair in hand, it is now time for the teacher to have the students come up with a new analogy by choosing something that is described in the new conflict pairing. The final step in Synectics Brainstorming is to return to the original problem or topic and have the students come up with a product or detailed list that makes use of the ideas that were generated in the process.
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