Attribute Listing

Definition:	Like brainstorming, attribute listing is a strategy for generating new ideas; however, with this approach, the product or problem can be divided into attributes. These characteristics can help students see the bigger picture of the product or problem.
Skills Necessary:	Students need to be able to identify the key attributes of a particular problem or product. Also, they need to be able to organize their ideas in a way that others can use these attributes as a tool. Critical thinking is needed to put different attributes together to create a new product or to fix a problem.
Implementation in the Classroom:	Attribute Listing can be used in all subject areas because of the idea of separating key attributes. Identify these attributes is the first step to success. In the classroom, I would introduce a new product such as an Ipod and have the students list the key attributes it may have. For example, the attributes may include shape, color, size, format, etc. As a class, we would discuss the different shapes it could have and so on. There have been many models of Ipods within the last six years. Students will be able to make these connections to the lesson. After we have listed them as a class, I would have their ideas displayed on the board. They would need to create their own Ipod based on the attributes they like and which ones would work well together. This lesson would be an introduction to this idea.