Cognition, Thinking & Understanding

Causal Patterns in Ecosystems: Lessons to Infuse into Ecosystems Units...

Causal Patterns in Ecosystems is a curriculum module for use by teachers who want their students to develop deep understanding of ecosystems concepts. Research shows that students who are taught about the nature of the causal patterns while learning science achieve deeper understanding than students who learn the science concepts only. Each section addresses one of a set of six broad and persistent misunderstandings about ecosystems that most students hold, stemming from their reasoning about the nature of causality. The module introduces RECAST (REveal CAusal STructure) activities, games, and simulations that are designed to reveal the underlying causal structure of concepts and to help students restructure their understandings. Each section contains one main activity, a set of additional reinforcement activities, and supporting materials for teaching them. Background information helps teachers recognize the misunderstanding and how it typically shows up in students reasoning about ecosystems. Understanding goals for the subject matter and the causal patterns are listed. The curriculum incorporates best practices in science education, such as inquiry-based learning and modeling. The module is aimed at upper elementary but can be modified for use with other ages. The module can be infused into broader units on ecosystems. It was developed as part of a research project called the Understandings of Consequence Project, which is supported by the National Science Foundation. 2011

Changing our Skin: Creating Collective Knowledge in American Classrooms

Abstract: In this essay, the author explores the notion that the focus of learning in classrooms and schools extends beyond the learning of individuals to create a collective body of knowledge that is larger than what any one person knows. This idea was examined in a collaboration between Project Zero researchers and educators from the municipal preschools in Reggio Emilia, Italy, around understanding, supporting, and documenting individual and group learning. The author draws on the experiences of classroom teachers in Massachusetts to suggest at least four key components in creating collective knowledge: (a) rethinking the nature of the learning task; (b) fostering a pedagogy of relationships; (c) addressing four kinds of learning; and (d) documenting student and teacher learning.

Learning Causality in a Complex World: Understandings of Consequence

What do children's interactions on the playground have to do with foreign policy? How does science understanding in middle school relate to environmental disasters in third world countries? The causal patterns that we detect and how we act upon them pervade every aspect of our lives. These skills will only become more important in the future as our world becomes more global and more interconnected. Yet we aren't very skilled at thinking about causality. Research shows that instead we rely on limiting default assumptions that can lead to poor choices in a complex world. What can we do about it? This book offers ways to become aware of these patterns and to reframe our thinking to become more effective learners and citizens of the world. Through examples and accessible explanations, it offers a causal curriculum to enable more effective learning so that we can put the power of better causal understanding to work for ourselves and the next generation, for today and tomorrow. ISBN: 978-1610488648

Kids Are the Experts! Making Learning Visible in Boston Public Schools

During the 2011-12 school year, 30 Boston Public School early childhood teachers and eight Head Start teachers took a course called Making Learning Visible: Kids are the Experts! The teachers explored how to help children recognize and communicate to others their areas of expertise through words, images, and demonstrations. This short film follows the process of making how-to books and other products in two classrooms at the Gardner Pilot Academy.

10 Ideas to Start Building a Culture of Thinking at Your School

10 detailed activities designed to promote Cultures of Thinking, where a group’s collective as well as individual thinking is valued, visible, and actively promoted.