As a school, to develop and extend our pupils critical thinking skills we have adopted and integrated ‘Making Thinking Visible’ into our practise. ‘Making Thinking Visible’ emerged from work at Harvard University called Project Zero, delivered by Ron Ritchhart, Mark Church and Karin Morrison (2011). Our staff have received workshops from developer Mark Church and engage regularly in continuous professional development to nurture this aspect of learning and teaching.

What is Making Thinking Visible?  

Simply, it is a practise which makes thinking visible. Visible thinking allows pupils to externalise their thoughts through speaking, writing, drawing or some other method. To do this teachers and pupils make extensive use of learning routines that are rich in thinking. These routines are simple structures, for example a set of questions or a short sequence of steps, that can be used across various grade levels and content. What makes them routines, versus mere strategies, is that they get used over and over again in the classroom so that they become part of the fabric of classroom’ culture.

This short video provides an overview on ‘Making Thinking Visible’ and an insight into some of the routines our staff employ in our classrooms. Please see the link below for more information about Making Thinking Visible and a comprehensive list of thinking routines.

MTV – Thinking Routine Toolbox