MAKING THINKING NOTICEABLE

WHAT IS NOTICEABLE THINKING?

"As we make thinking—our own as well as that of our students—visible, we draw attention to the mechanisms by which individuals construct their understanding. To the extent that students can develop a greater awareness of thinking processes, they become more independent learners capable of directing and managing their own cognitive actions." (Making Thinking Visible, 21-22)

Noticeable thinking refers to any kind of observable representation that documents and supports the development of an individual's or group's ongoing thoughts, questions, reasons, and reflections. (Image Source)

The concept of noticeable thinking draws heavily on the work of Ron Richhart, Mark Church, and Karin Morrison summarized in their book Making Thinking Visible: How to Promote Engagement, Understanding, and Independence for ALL Learners. You can find a main idea summary of the book HERE.

MORE ABOUT THINKING ROUTINES

Video: Project Zero Thinking Routines

Resources: Project Zero Thinking Routines Toolbox

ENCOURAGING PRODUCTIVE STRUGGLE

When we provide students with opportunities to think, and make their thinking noticeable, we also create opportunities for struggle. For learning to take place, thinking must happen, and often this requires discomfort and struggle.

Struggle is Productive ...

when feedback/supports result in incremental gains for students
when students are challenged rather than overwhelmed

Struggle is Not Productive ...

when students are unable to move forward with or without supports that have been provided
when it leads to frustration and eventually disengagement or undesirable behaviours
when it makes learning goals feel fruitless
when it leaves students feeling abandoned and on their own
when it creates a sense of inadequacy

Teachers can Support Productive Struggle ...

by identifying what barriers students are experiencing,
by differentiating content, process, product, or affect/environment, and
by offering hints that increase ability (preferable) or decrease challenge (in cases of severe frustration).

LEARN MORE

Video: How Productive Struggle Sets Brains on Fire

Video: Productive Struggle with Robert Kaplinsky, 2015

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