Thinking Based Learning

Thinking Based Learning

Definition

The proficient and strategic application of appropriate thinking skills and productive habits of mind, as needed, to develop thoughtful products (e.g. decisions, arguments, and other analytical, creative, or critical products).

Components

Skillful thinking has 3 components:

• thinking skills (creative/critical)
• habits of mind
• metacognition

Complex Thinking Tasks

Problem Solving

Goal: finding the best solution to an identified problem

Decision Making

Goal: choosing the best course of action

Conceptualizing

Goal: deep understanding

I. PROCESSING AND EXTENDING INFORMATION II. CRITICALLY ASSESSING INFORMATION III. ARGUMENTS

T.B.L. - Possible scenarios

Brainstorming Brainstorming puts the thinker to work. Present a situation. Ask learners to creatively think.

Presentations Presentations are learner presented assignments. Students can do these in groups or individually

Question Based A lesson or topic starts with a question. It comes in many forms. Try guided for more structure or open for less.

Games Games can be used to teach concepts, to give a learner a break to think, or to challenge one's ideas.

KWL Put it on the poster. What do you know? Want to know? Learn= How about the enhanced version -KWHLAQ.

Debate During a debate students challenge each other. the debate can take a break at intervals for additional research.

Discovery discovery can be broad or narrow in scope. Some discovery learning allows the learner to choose a topic and explore.

Discussion Present an issie and have the students talk about it. If they need additional information, have them go find it.

Panel/Expert Panels are a way to include many voices on a subject. Students can write & ask questions in a Q&A session.

Role Play Role playing allows the learner to learn about the other's experience. It can be instructor created or learner created.

Q&A A Q&A session allows learners and facilitators to learn more from each other.

Demonstration Demonstrations are a fun way to get students involved. Students can analyze the process and think critically.

Competitions Students can engage in competitions in class, school, or external. This allows the learner to engage with others around the world.

Cooperative Cooperative Learning involves small groups working together to accomplish a learning task.