Skip to main content

Visible Thinking

Visible thinking routines are a collection of strategies that teachers can use to help students analyse, think critically, and create deeper understanding about a variety of topics. Visible thinking routines can be used in both the classroom and online learning environments, and provide a great way for teachers to aide students develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century while enhancing learning, engagement and competencies of students.

Visible thinking routines are based on the idea that students can become more engaged and develop better understanding of a topic if they can see it. By using visible thinking routines, teachers can help students to break down a topic into smaller, more manageable pieces. This allows students to explore multiple aspects of the topic and develop a more comprehensive and well-rounded understanding. 

One of the most effective ways to use visible thinking routines is to provide students with an opportunity to think critically about a topic. By having students analyse a problem or topic from multiple perspectives, they can gain a better understanding and become more engaged in the learning process. Additionally, visible thinking routines can be used to support students become solution architects using problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and creativity skills.

Visible thinking routines can also be used to foster collaboration and help grow relationships between students and teachers. By having students work together to critically discuss a topic, they can learn from each other, share ideas, and develop a sense of community in the classroom. This can promote a greater sense of engagement in the learning process and strengthens the relationships they need to be successful. 

To that end, visible thinking routines are an effective way to enhance learning, engagement, and competencies of students. By providing students with an opportunity to think critically about a topic and develop the skills they need to be successful, teachers can help create an environment that encourages learning and encourages students to reach their full potential.

To discover more about these strategies check out Harvard University's Project Zero.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Restorative Justice in Education: A Personal and Reflective Examination

As educators, we constantly seek methods to cultivate environments where students feel valued, respected, and supported. Over the years, restorative justice has emerged as an approach that addresses disciplinary issues and promotes a culture of care, empathy, and mutual respect. This article reflects on my experiences with restorative justice in education, highlighting its strengths, benefits, and connections to positive behaviour theories such as positive behaviour in schools (PBIS). I'll discuss the role of traditional disciplinary measures, like time-out, detention, and suspension, within a restorative framework. However, my stance is that these should be employed as a final option when there is no room for relationship coaching or the other strategies prove unsuccessful in achieving positive behavioural outcomes. I am going to preface this article and state that it is informed by my Christian perspective. I am committed to fostering a learning environment where students are enc...
Post a Comment
Read more

Being a Globally Connected Educator with a Globally Connected Classroom

As educators we live is such an exciting time to teach. With the onset of the Internet we have had the ability to  embed and curate videos ,  gamify ,  blog , have  Minecraft in the classroom ,  flip the learning , use  QR Codes , access  social media  and potentially  video conferencing  some educators could see that it is too much; however, I see its potential to benefit students and enhance professional development for educators.  There has been no time in history where access to information has been so immediate and available. The potential for teachers to connect and be supported in collaboration, not bound by schools, districts, states and even nations inspires me. I am acutely aware that being globally connected presents the ability to bring expertise, skill and knowledge into my classroom beyond my capabilities.  The networks that I have help me to design activities that measure students’ higher-order thinking skill...
Read more

Thornburg's Learning Spaces

Thornburg's Learning Spaces Theory (2014) is a revolutionary approach to classroom management that focuses on creating learning environments that are both engaging and effective. Created by David Thornburg Ph.D., an award winning futurist and educational consultant, the theory is based on the idea that students should be able to move freely in the classroom, and that learning should be an interactive process.  The theory is built on the metaphor of four primary learning spaces: the campfire, the waterhole, the cave and life; however, is not limited to these. The campfire is a central gathering place for social interaction, explicit teaching and collaboration where they work together in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. It is a place where students can share their ideas and experiences, be guided in direct instruction to grow their understanding and work together to solve problems. The campfire is a place where discussion, collaboration, brainstorming and problem-solving activi...
Post a Comment
Read more