Affinity Cluster

For many years, the business community has been using Affinity Diagrams to gather, synthesize, and interpret large quantities of data in a creative and dynamic manner. Here, this group process has been adapted for the classroom.

Beginning with a question or problem statement and the familiar brainstorming process, groups of students organize their thoughts into clusters of ideas that share meaningful patterns or relationships. Because of its relative anonymity, the process fosters creativity and encourages participation among even by the most reluctant learners.

Implementation

1. The Affinity Cluster is a method for synthesizing and making sense of data obtained through an open brainstorming process.
2. It is generally recommended that groups consist of no more than 6-8 students.
3. Affinity clusters may not produce good results when fewer than 15-20 ideas are generated.
4. To encourage creativity and open thinking, consider all ideas without making judgments about their accuracy or relative importance.

 

Classroom Management

1. Write the general problem, question, or issue statement to be explored clearly on a large piece of chart paper or on the marker board (e.g., desirable elements of a presidential platform)
2. Distribute medium size sticky notes to each participant.
3. Brainstorm ideas independently.

• Write ideas on sticky notes and place them randomly on a wall, chart, desktop, etc.
• Short phrases or sentences work best.
• Use one sticky note per thought or idea.

• Give each cluster of ideas or theme a clear and concise label or title that captures the essence of that grouping.
• Use sentences or phrases for the headers.
• Write each label on a piece of copy paper and place it at the top of a piece of chart paper.

• The affinity clustering should be done quickly and silently.
• An alternative is to cluster ideas following a teacher-led discussion to clarify the intended meaning of the statements and to reorganize materials only when a consensus is reached.
• When an idea fails to fit neatly within a single cluster, duplicate the thought and place it in all relevant categories.

Suggested formative assessment: Use One Last Question to generate critical thinking about a specific concept uncovered during the Affinity Cluster.