## 0. Preparation

Define a clear question to tackle in the session

Discuss the problem with the problem owner or client (or simply: within your team). Try to clarify the (real) problem and why it is relevant, by asking questions such as:

- Why is it a problem?
- What are the causes of this problem?
- Who is involved?
- What is the purpose?

Then define the brainstorm question in a way that makes it concrete, positive (no negations), relevant and to-the-point. Often the central question takes the form of: "How might we ... ?".

Select a facilitator and variety of people for your team

In the school context, often teams are already a given. In practice, you would want to get a diverse team together with various roles and expertise.

The facilitator will lead the session in terms of the process, making sure time limits are kept and everybody is involved.

Create an activity plan for the session

Decide on the specific brainstorming techniques to apply within each step of the brainstorm session and the time duration for each step. See the next steps for inspiration. Keep the whole session within the time allotted, typically somewhere between 15 and 60 minutes.

Get all the necessary materials

Depending on the selected techniques, you may need some materials, such as a ball, post-its, pens and markers, paper, "brown paper", sheets, whiteboards or print-outs.