This research report discusses the development, teaching and assessment of thinking skills and references Bloom’s taxonomy of six educational objectives, which are; knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation (Bloom et al 1956). Teaching and learning to encourage students to develop skills in their thinking, including critical thinking skills. Making thinking more transparent for the learner, such as outlining a plan for further skilful thinking through the use of questions, making it more visible, can open up a world of thinking for students, providing opportunities to understand what thinking, and critical thinking, actually is, the various mental moves and strategies that make up good thinking and the capacity to practice it in a range of different contexts.
Developing and assessing thinking skills. Research paper
Why this evidence was chosen and what I learnt from it.
I chose this research report on thinking skills as I believe it to be relatable and applicable to a knowledge-based model for learners as critical thinking and thinking skills are a requirement to all knowledge based activities and processes. Teaching learners how to think should not be overlooked and the four programmes of the IB require thinking goals and thinking objectives, as also recommended in this research paper.
I discovered that the IB needs to clarify thinking skills more clearly in the curriculum materials, providing further guidance on how to make thinking skills more explicit and visible in the teaching and assessment practices within the classroom. This research paper goes on to suggest recommendations for the programmes that include such issues as the inclusion of skilful problem solving and decision making objectives that seek higher order thinking, among other recommendations that address thinking strategies, thinking dispositions, metacognitive thinking and beliefs about knowledge.
Swartz, R and McGuinness C. (2014). Developing and assessing thinking skills. The Hague, Netherlands. International Baccalaureate Organization. Retrieved from: http://www.ibo.org/globalassets/publications/ib-research/continuum/student-thinking-skills-en.pdf
It is worthy to have a look at the Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATL) in the IB that outline the strategies, skills and attitudes that filter through the IB learning and teaching environment, supporting the ethos of the IB that a student’s education isn’t only what you learn but how you learn. Providing support and professional development opportunities for teachers to deliver these skills across the four programmes ensure quality (and engaged) teaching and learning.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning (DP)
Why this evidence was chosen and what I learnt from it.
The DP is referenced in relation to this ATL ‘toolkit’ style article by the IB, however it also relates across the four programmes. I was drawn to this as it outlines the essential IB approaches to teaching and learning skills, which are;
1. Thinking skills
2. Communications skills
3. Social skills
4. Self-management skills
5. Research skills
The IB approaches to teaching skills are…
1. based on inquiry
2. focused on conceptual understanding
3. developed in local and global contexts
4. focused on effective teamwork and collaboration
5. differentiated to meet the needs of all learners
6. informed by formative and summative assessment.
This toolkit again refers to the key concepts of thinking skills and research and inquiry skills. However, this toolkit can absolutely be applied across all the teaching and learning approaches in terms of being student focussed.
I learned that this ATL is a fairly new and exciting opportunity for teaching in the DP, with a shift in focus in the role of pedagogical leadership and responsibility for faculty members and supports schools in meeting the IB standards and practices. This toolkit is useful in determining where to find resources that support IB educators to integrate contemporary approaches of teaching and learning in the classroom. In addition, keeping abreast of professional development opportunities and access to materials, practice teaching tips, workshops and so on.
International Baccalaureate. (2014). Approaches to teaching and learning in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme [PDF file]. Retrieved from: http://www.ibo.org/globalassets/digital-tookit/flyers-and-artworks/approaches-to-teaching-learning-dp-en.pdf
Yasmin in Education :) 