Written Thoughts
Start: begin immediately. Prepare: save your settings for reuse.
Write as many ideas as possible — everyone simultaneously, no discussion. Put them in the middle and sort them together.
Activity
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Step-by-step instructions
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Steps
- Show a question. Everyone writes their own answer on a slip of paper in silence.
- The slips go to the middle, are shuffled and handed out again.
- Everyone reads someone else's answer and adds to it or responds.
- Discuss together, then move on to the next question.
- Repeat until all questions are done.
Settings
- Questions — required. One per line. You can't start without at least one.
- Writing time — optional, default 120 s.
- Discussion time — optional, default 120 s.
- Preparation: provide small slips of paper and pens.
Tip: generate questions with AI
Out of ideas? Ask Microsoft Copilot: “Give me 4 open questions about [topic] for students aged [age] to answer briefly in writing, one per line.” Paste the lines into the Questions field.
Tips for the facilitator
This activity collects ideas from the whole group — quietly, simultaneously and without pressure. Everyone writes their thoughts on separate sheets, places them in the centre of the table, and then the group sorts and discusses the result together. Choose it for a brainstorm, activating prior knowledge, or when it is important to hear everyone — including those who normally stay silent during group discussions.
Separate sheets of paper or sticky notes — enough for all participants.
Pens for each group member.
One sheet — one idea: this makes them easier to sort.
Writing time per question — configure this in the settings (default 120 seconds).
Discussion time per question — configure this in the settings (default 120 seconds).
Optional: category titles for sorting — prepare in advance or determine together with the group.
With categories: the facilitator determines sorting themes in advance — the group distributes the sheets across categories.
Without sorting: simply read all ideas aloud and discuss — for shorter sessions.
With prioritisation: after sorting, each participant places a dot or mark on the most important idea.
Anonymous: sheets without names — reduces social pressure and encourages more honest responses.
Natural sciences: «Name as many forms of renewable energy as possible».
Social studies: «What arguments are there in favour of nuclear energy?»
Citizenship education: «What are the characteristics of democracy?»
Training and teams: collecting ideas, expectations or challenges at the start of a session.
The activity is known as Brainwriting or Written Round Robin. Unlike a classic brainstorm, the written format gives equal space to everyone — both extroverts and those who think more slowly or feel uncomfortable speaking aloud.
Pairs well with
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