Learning the Language of Thinking

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Learning the Language of Thinking

• Ideas from Harvards Project Zero

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Goals

• Reflect on how we teach thinking in our classes
• Learn several thinking routines
• Learn how others are using thinking routines
• Consider how we might use thinking routines in
  our classes

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• Language is the mother of thought, not its
  handmaiden.
• Karl Kraus
• (18741936, Austrian satirist)

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Reflection

• How do I teach thinking in my classes?
• What words and phrases do I use to talk about
  thinking?

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Visible Thinking

• A set of techniques to help us make thinking more
  visible for our students
• Developed at Harvards Project Zero
• (http//www.pz.harvard.edu/vt/)
• Support the development of students as
  self-directed learners

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See, Think, Wonder
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See, Think, Wonder

• What kind of thinking does this routine
  encourage?
• encourages students to make careful observations
  and thoughtful interpretations
• helps stimulate curiosity and sets the stage for
  inquiry
• How might this routine be used in the language
  classroom?

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From the point of view of I think A question I
have from this point of view is
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Circle of Viewpoints

• What kind of thinking does this routine
  encourage?
• helps students consider different and diverse
  perspectives involved in and around a topic
• understanding that people may think and feel
  differently about things ? Fairness Ideal
• (Thinking Ideals Understanding, Truth,
  Fairness, Creativity)
• How might this routine be used in the language
  classroom?

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• How can the use of these routines transform our
  language teaching?
• Shifting goals
• The means vocabulary and grammar
• The ends
• Exploring and Solving Problems
• Communicating Ideas
• Creating Meaning

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7 Core Routines

• What Makes You Say That
• Think Puzzle Explore
• Think Pair Share
• Circle of Viewpoints
• I Used to ThinkNow I Think
• See Think Wonder
• Compass Points

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Suggestions for Getting Started with Thinking
Routines

• Become aware of the phrases that you use
  repeatedly to give instruction.
• Try to standardize your words.
• Ask students to follow steps that you have
  modeled.
• Start with one or two simple routines, even for
  high level language classes.
• Translate and simplify, if need be. Use
  repeatedly.

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Explore Routines with Your Colleagues

• Experiment with routines together
• What activities and topics would naturally lend
  themselves to a certain routine?
• Where might a certain routine be appropriate
  which grade level, language level?
• Consider having teaching teams take on certain
  routines

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• Further thoughts and questions about how you
  might using thinking routines?
• Project Zero at Harvard Visible Thinking
• http//www.pz.harvard.edu/vt/
• Jennifer Weyburn
• jweyburn_at_aischool.org