Why this approach is important

Brainstorming is important because it is a useful and quick strategy that you can employ to find out what your students know before you start teaching a new topic. It can be used at the beginning, middle or end of a lesson or topic so that you can see what connections students may be making within it. It helps you see what things the students regard as important, and may highlight some misunderstandings that they hold.

Pause for thought Have you ever asked your students for their ideas about new topics or about a particular phenomenon in science or environmental studies? If so, was it helpful? How? Why could this be a useful strategy?