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Higher Thinking Summary
Higher Thinking Summary
In classrooms all around the world, teachers are finding ways to better teach their students. I have found that classrooms that I learn the best in constantly encourage me to develop higher levels of thinking by pushing me to think about things differently than I have before. Because of my experiences in classrooms, I wanted to research more about how encouraging higher thinking in classrooms affects students' ability to learn and develop cognitively.
While preparing our group lesson that we shared with the class I realized how important both Piaget and Vygotsky are in helping us as educators understand how we can promote higher thinking in our classrooms.
The connections case study really allowed me to become excited about creating lesson plans that include developing higher thinking because I learned how creating lessons and activities that push the students into their zone of proximal development really allows them to grow in and out of the classroom.
Field Project
While creating a mind map about interactive learning, I realized that, although activities can be beneficial and promote cognitive development, not all activities do. As teachers, we need to do far more than just have fun activities every class period if we want our students to develop higher thinking skills.
This semester I have also been taking a TESOL class that has also provided me with many opportunities to apply what I have been studying in developing higher thinking by allowing me to design and use lesson plans that allow me to practice what I have been studying!
Examples!
Connections Case Study: Teaching History
Group Teaching Project
Jean Piaget
Jean Piaget
"Jean Piaget was formerly trained as a biologist. He also had interests in philosophy and psychology and was especially fascinated with the nature of children's knowledge and it's changes with development. Drawing from his observation and interviews, Piaget came up with the theory of cognitive development that has transformed scientific knowledge of how children think and learn. These include the seven principles mentioned in the slideshow." (pg 194)
Lev Vygotsky
Lev Vygotsky
"Liv Vygotsky had training in law, history, philosophy, literature, and education. According to Vygotsky, numerous tools influence thinking, many which are tangible for example paper, writing utensils, stories, and books." (pg 212)
Teaching Listening ActivityTeaching Writing and GrammarTeaching Reading/Speaking Lesson Plan
Photo albumTeaching Vocab"Especially as they grow older, youngsters actively seek out experiences that allow them to exercise their natural tendencies. Adults can present options for cultivating youngsters' talents and remediating any pronounced weaknesses." (pg 123)
Strategies to Use!
"We offer one possible (and intentionally broad) definition of intelligence: the ability to apply past knowledge and experiences flexibly and in a culturally appropriate manner while accomplishing challenging new tasks." (pg 274)
The Worst Case Scenario
Construct a scenario in which students would need to work together and solve problems to succeed, like being stranded on a deserted island or getting lost at sea/jungle/town. Ask them to work together and come out with a solution that ensures everyone arrives safely. You might ask them to come up with a list of 10 must-have items that would help them most, or a creative passage to safety. Encourage them to vote everyone must agree to the final solution.
Keep it Real
This open-ended concept is simple and serves as an excellent segue into problem-based learning. Challenge students to identify and cooperatively solve a real problem in their schools or communities. You may set the parameters, including a time limit, materials and physical boundaries.
Gap Fill In
Students are shown a picture, projected in the front of the room, if possible. At the top of their paper, students should write: "What is happening in this picture?" At the bottom of the page, they should answer with what they believe is happening in the photo simply in 1-2 sentences or according to the age/grade this activity is being done with.
In the middle of the page students write down all of the steps they took to arrive at that answer. Students are encouraged to write down the evidence they see that supports their conclusion.
This activity not only uses evidence, but supports Meta cognition skills by asking what prior knowledge brought you to your conclusion. This is a good activity to Bell Work or "Do Now."
Barometer—Taking a Stand on Controversial Issues
When posed with a thought-provoking prompt, students line themselves up along a U-shaped continuum representing where they stand on that issue. The sides of the U are opposite extremes, with the middle being neutral. The teacher starts a discussion by giving equal opportunity for individuals in each area of the continuum to speak about their stand. The students use “I” statements when stating their opinion.
Journal Data Goals
Last but not the least, Students must be asked to maintain journals and update them on a regular basis. This can be done in the form of a blog as well. By doing so students become their own progress monitors and can assess the growth within oneself.
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