Brian's Blog

In our role as educators, we constantly strive to equip students with the skills they need to excel not only academically but also in all facets of life. One such crucial skill is critical thinking, which enables individuals to analyse information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. This skill is fundamental for success in today's complex and rapidly changing world (Facione, 2011). The purpose of this blog post is to demonstrate the significance of critical thinking and the transformative influence of visible thinking routines in nurturing this vital skill. The post aims to advocate for a shift in practices towards a more student-centred approach, enhancing student learning and promoting lifelong learning. This approach encourages students to become curious, reflective, and independent thinkers (Brookhart, 2017). Early in my teaching career, I was introduced to the work of Ron Ritchhart, Mark Church, and Karin Morrison (2011) through Harvard University's Project Z...

Deep Learning through balanced approaches to Direct Instruction and Inquiry-Based Learning. This blog post draws inspiration from Rachel Lehr's recent insights (2023) on the instructional framework employed by Dayton Public School, particularly their Instructional Playbook and an article from Jay McTighe and Harvey Silver (2020) called Instructional Shifts to Support Deep Learning. Lehr's message struck a chord due to its enlightening and encouraging nature. The strategies encapsulated within the playbook not only find their roots in a robust evidence base but also vividly illustrate the advantages of embracing a balanced approach to education. Dayton Public Schools' Instructional Playbook, as highlighted by Lehr, exemplifies a comprehensive and well-founded framework for effective teaching and learning. The strategies it contains are deeply rooted in educational research, showcasing the value of a well-rounded and diverse approach to education. This playbook serves as a t...

As educators, our ultimate goal is to foster deep learning in our students, where they engage in critical thinking, develop a growth mindset, and cultivate a love for learning. Inquiry-based learning is a powerful pedagogical approach that empowers students to take charge of their education, encouraging curiosity and independent thinking (Kuhlemeier, Hemker & Tripp, 2017). By encouraging curiosity and empowering students to take ownership of their learning, we seek to cultivate lifelong learners who are intrinsically motivated to explore and understand the world around them. Recently, I had the privilege of attending a professional learning session led by Trevor MacKenzie and Jess Vance hosted by Dr. Stephanie Smith at the Museum of Australian Democracy. Before comments are made highlighting the tension between the science of and the inquiry community, I want to put up front, the professional learning was a balanced view and acknowledged that it was essential to teach the skill exp...