1st Edition
Learn to Think Basic Exercises in the Core Thinking Skills for Ages 6-11
Classroom questions have traditionally focussed on testing the recall, understanding and application of content and methods. Research suggests that pupils require activities that encourage them to think flexibly about possibilities and to make independent judgements about information.
Learn to Think takes a cross-curriculum approach and offers a wide range of exercises in all significant thinking skills areas:
- Organisational
- Analytical
- Evaluative
- Creative
Predicting, categorisation, ordering, generalising, problem solving, summarising, analysis, making distinctions, decision making, cause and evidence are among the skills developed. This book introduces the basic core thinking processes used to connect and make sense of information through a range of skill based sections which provide the basis of a thinking skills programme for pupils. It is complete with introductory notes and examples, pupil work sheets, suggested answers and further useful questions. The resources are fully photocopiable and are suitable for 6 -11 year olds.
Introduction Organisational Thinking Observing properties Observing similarities Observing differences Categorising Comparing Ordering in terms of size and time Thinking about concepts Generalising Concept maps Analytical Thinking Analysing relationships Analysing patterns in sequences Evaluative Thinking Distinguishing Facts from Opinions Distinguishing definite from indefinite conclusions Challenging the reliability of a claim Distinguishing relevant from irrelevant information Decision making Considering other points of view Asking better questions Creative Thinking Creative consequences Reverse creative thinking Analysing the creativity of designs Creativity from random objects Visual creativity Creative thinking about uses
Biography
John Langrehr has spent more than 25 years as a cognitive psychologist at the University of South Australia. He has written many books and articles for teachers and presented at numerous conferences.