1. Diana Jackson Bakersfield College
Brainstorming
and Clustering
Diana Jackson
Bakersfield College

2. Brainstorming Get your ideas down on paper.
Jot down words and phrases.
Create a list or bullet points.
Don’t worry about the order of your ideas, neatness, spelling, or grammar.

3. Example Brainstorm: “Successful Student Behaviors”
Attend class regularly
Turn in homework
Get to school early
Go to office hours
Practice good time management
Stay organized
Take notes
Set goals
Stay focused
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Ask for help
Attend workshops
Go to tutoring
Make to-do lists
Form study groups
Don’t procrastinate
Make flash cards
Make outlines
Read directions
Stay positive
Use a day planner
Don’t be late

4. Clustering
A cluster is also known as a mind map, concept map, web, or tree diagram.
Use it to organize your ideas.
Try to think of three or four categories.
Sort your ideas into those categories.
Don’t worry about the order of your ideas, neatness, spelling, or grammar.

5. Example: “Successful Student Behaviors”
Don’t procrastinate
Attend class regularly
Don’t be afraid to
make mistakes
Turn in
homework
Read directions
Responsibility
Attitude
Stay positive
Get to
school early
Set goals
Successful Student Behaviors
Don’t be late
Stay focused
Study Groups
Ask questions
Receive Help
Study Skills
Go to office hours
To-do lists
Take notes
Time management
Go to tutoring
Attend workshops
Organization
Outlines
Flash cards
Day planner