Visible Thinking involves using thinking routines, documentation, and effective questioning and listening techniques to enhance learning and collaboration in any learning environment. This course will explain how educators can effectively use thinking routines and other tools to engage and empower students as learners and transform classrooms into places of deep learning, empower students as learners, and transform classrooms into places of deep learning. Participants will learn how to implement a range of thinking routines that enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative learning. These strategies help students actively engage with content, develop higher-order thinking skills, and take ownership of their learning process. The course also addresses the importance of creating a classroom culture where students feel safe to express their thoughts, ask questions, and challenge their ideas, resulting in increased motivation and academic success. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the tools and techniques to transform their classrooms into dynamic learning spaces that empower all students to think critically, independently, and collaboratively.

Teachers enrolled in this course will

Know

• the importance of visible thinking and its impact on student engagement, understanding, and independence
• a variety of thinking routines and how they can be applied across disciplines to encourage critical thinking, reflection, and problem-solving
• the role of classroom culture in fostering an environment where thinking is shared, valued, and visible
• how visible thinking routines support cognitive development, particularly in the areas of understanding, memory retention, and conceptual clarity

Understand

• how visible thinking routines actively engage students in the learning process and encourage them to take responsibility for their own learning 
• the connection between visible thinking and development of higher-order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and application
• how visible thinking practices support diverse learning styles and can be adapted to need the needs of all students, regardless of their background and abilities
• how group discussions and collaborative thinking routines promotes peer-to-peer learning and enhance collective problem-solving

and Be Able To

• apply a variety of thinking routines in their teaching to foster student engagement, reflection, and deeper understanding
• design classroom environments and learning activities that encourage the sharing of ideas, questions, and perspectives among students
• use thinking routines as a form of formative assessments to gain insight into students’ understanding and areas of improvement
• differentiate thinking routines and strategies to meet the needs of all students
• develop strategies to help students become more independent thinkers, self-reflective learners, and active participants in their own educational journey