Collaborative Thinking Routines

Students' learning experience

• Students solve a challenging word problem and present their solutions to their group

• Students discuss their ideas, guided by the thinking routine and present their answer to the class

• Students go through peer critique to receive and provide feedback to classmates

• Students refine their solution and reflect on their learning using reflection questions provided by teachers

Design tips for teachers

• This word problem should allow students to apply the concepts that they know, and reveal what they do not know

• Rephrase thinking routines as questions to help students analyse, integrate information and solve the given problem

• The Ladder of Feedback protocol can be used to help students understand and construct appropriate feedback

• Reflection questions should help students surface their strengths, gaps and the steps they can take to improve

Why would it be important for students to discuss, negotiate and improve their ideas collaboratively in the learning of subjects such as Mathematics or Science? According to Mercer (2008, p. 35), the talk “with a teacher, and with other students, is perhaps the most important means for ensuring that a student’s engagement in a series of activities contributes to his or her developing understanding of Science, Mathematics, or any other subject as a whole”.

- Foo Seau Yoon, Educational Technology Division

Senior Specialist affiliation