Writing and thinking are inextricably linked. By putting things in writing we construct meaning and develop new ideas. Informal written assignments can also enrich discussion and debate. Once students have had the time to think and write about a subject, they are much more willing to speak about it in class.
Students can freewrite in sentences, or can use listing or clustering techniques.
Writing is not edited. Writing may be read aloud by some or all students. Unfocussed Students freewrite at the beginning of the class about any topic that comes to mind. This writing is usually kept private. Focussed Students freewrite on a particular topic or in answer to a particular question.