101 Activities For Teaching Creativity And Problem Solving

63. Pass the Hat

Background

Doug Hall (1994) uses Pass the Hat as a combination brainstorming/brainwriting proce-

dure for two or more groups. Unlike some brainwriting activities, this activity involves

generating problem attributes for stimuli instead of generating ideas. Other groups then

use the attributes to spark ideas.

Pass the Hat emphasizes blending together problem features to produce something

new. This “mix and match” process has been around for a while. Consider, for instance,

such products as wine coolers that blend wine and fruit juice.

Objectives

• To help participants generate as many creative ideas as possible


• To help participants learn how to use the activities to generate ideas

Participants

Small groups of four to seven people each

Materials, Supplies, and Equipment

• For each group: markers, two flip charts, and masking tape for posting flip-chart
  sheets


• For each participant: one sheet each of three different colors of sticking dots
  (^1 ⁄ 2 ” diameter) and one pad of 4 x 6 Post-it®Notes


• One sheet of 5.5” x 8.5” paper for each group


• Pens or pencils for each group member

Handout

• Pass the Hat Handout

Time

30 minutes

268 101 Activities for Teaching Creativity and Problem Solving

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