Solve the problem together

Objectives

This exercise shows the value of all ideas. When you work as a team, brainstorming sessions often sway toward the vocal and dominant personalities, even though other team members have good and helpful ideas too. The method treats the participant’s ideas equally.

The activity shows that everyone can contribute something to society and helps participants to see their problem from a different perspective and that there can be a solution to every problem. Being part of society also means recognizing that you are not alone and you can get help if you need it.

Material

Paper and pencils according to the number of participants.

Instructions

Each participant gets a piece of paper. When the teacher gives the signal, everyone has to write down a problem they need help with. This can be a professional problem or a personal problem. However, the problem must be solvable. They can also write down a challenge they are facing or would like to overcome.

Afterwards the participants have to pass the pieces of paper around in a circle and write suggestions for solutions. Duration 45 seconds (can be modified). When your own problem has come back to you, you can start a reflection phase.

Variant

It is possible to do the exercise anonymously. For this purpose, the teacher collects the problems and challenges in advance.

If writing / language is a problem you can do the exercise orally. This can be done in the participant’s native language, with the use of translators.