Writing to Discuss: Use of a Clustering Technique

Abstract

A clustering technique developed to improve writing skills and previously used to facilitate thinking in classroom settings was used as a stimulus for class discussion. The technique involved presenting a relevant word at the beginning of each meeting of discussion sections of an introductory psychology class. Students wrote down any associations they had to the word, followed by a brief explanation. Each student told the class about what he or she had written. At the end of the discussion, students recorded things they did not say in class and summarized their reactions to the discussion. Benefits to instructors are discussed.