Seventeenth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

The aim of the study is to examine how the use of thinking routines in an international classroom setting makes learning visible, leading to an enduring understanding of the topics being studied. The study provides opportunities to teach and use thinking routines throughout lessons on a regular basis, developing habits of thinking and building a culture of thinking collaboratively. This action research project has thinking routines as its main focus so not only the classroom itself has to be observed but also how both students and teachers respond to the use of these tools. A range of literature on the topic was studied in order to develop an understanding of Harvard’s ‘Project Zero - Visible Thinking’ and to find ways in which to achieve this culture of thinking in the classroom. Teachers were interviewed and lessons were observed, specifically focusing on the use of thinking routines and the promotion of this thinking culture. The participant observation method was used to collect information, allowing me, as a researcher and teacher, to not only experience the impact of the use of thinking routines but also to adapt my practice.