Disciplinary & Interdisciplinary Studies

Messages about learning in a Cultures Of Thinking Classroom

Overarching themes of the CoT project.

The Many Stories Library Project: Sharing Untold Stories of Who We Are

9 Apps for Parents

Nine easy discussion starters for parents of the App Generation:

1. Name and Notice Thinking

Use the language of thinking to name and notice the thinking your child is using and thus make it more visible. I like how you have used what you already know to make connections. That’s a perspective I hadn’t thought about.

2. Develop a Growth Mindset

Develop a growth mindset in your child by focusing your praise on process, learning, and effort (You really worked hard on this and have learned a lot. You’ve really developed as a musician.), as opposed to ability (You’re so clever. You’re good at math.)

3. Challenge but Don’t Rescue

When your child encounters difficulties, don’t jump in to solve the problem and rescue him/her. Instead, ask questions that will help him/her to think through the problem, identify, and choose a course of action to moving forward.

4. What Questions Did You Ask Today?

Our questions drive us as learners. Instead of asking your child, “Did you learn anything today?”, you could say, “Did you ask a good question today?” This will encourage your child to be more invested in the types of questions they ask at school.

5. Focus on the Learning Over the Work

Learning is the goal of an assignment. Take a moment to ask your child what the purpose of each homework assignment is, what do they think the teacher wants them to learn and get better at as a result. Then monitor the learning, not the work.

6. Support Your Child in Arguing Effectively and Persuasively

Research has shown that teenagers who argued constructively with their parents by building a case and providing evidence for their position were more enabled to speak up, voice an opinion, and use evidence in other facets of life.

7. Provide Time to Pursue Passions

Students need time and space to pursue their passions and interests. Pay attention to your child’s learning and passions outside of school and make time for them.

8. Make Your Own Thinking Visible

You are a model for your child of what it means to be a thinker and a learner. Model your own interests, passions, curiosity, reflection, learning, and thinking for your child.

9. What Makes You Say That?

By simply asking, “What makes you say that?”, in a curious and non-judgmental tone after someone has given a response, we are able to get a window into the thinking behind that person’s initial response.

For Teachers and Leaders - Handouts to guide a COT Classroom

A series of forms, evaluations and guidelines for teachers and leaders to use in their Culture of Thinking classrooms and schools.

Educating for Global Competence: Learning Redefined for an Interconnected World

The world in which today’s students will live and work is fundamentally different from the one in which their parents and teachers grew up. Rapid economic, technological and social changes are creating a world that is ever more interconnected and interdependent. Globalization of economies, the digital revolution, mass migration, and the prospect of climate instability are triggering new concerns and demanding a new kind of graduate. At the dawn of the 21st century we are recasting our understanding of economics, communication, security, cultural identity, citizenship, and the environment. There is an increasing call for a more powerful and relevant learning in response to these new demands and opportunities (Gardner, 2007, Reimers, 2009, Stewart, 2007).