Brainstorming

The purpose of the activity

To activate background knowledge so the learners can link what they read to what they know already. By using brainstorming, tutors can identify the learners’ current knowledge about a topic, and the learners can share what they know with each other.

The teaching points

• Drawing on relevant prior knowledge.
• Clarifying misunderstandings.

Resources

• Whiteboard and markers.

The guided teaching and learning sequence

1. Write a topic on the board and ask the learners to describe what they know about it.
2. Write what the learners say on the board.
3. Discuss the ideas on the board relating them to the text to be read.

Follow-up activity

As the learners read the text, they can check the brainstorm to note which ideas are covered in the text. Discuss the match between the learners’ prior knowledge and the text.