Diana Jackson Bakersfield College Brainstorming and Clustering Diana Jackson Bakersfield College

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.

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

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.

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