00.cov. 0444-2004.vfinal

Leading in learning

Contents

Introduction 1

1 Making a start 3

2 What is meant by teaching thinking skills? 4

3 Characteristics of higher-order thinking lessons 6

4 National Curriculum thinking skills 7

5 Improving planning and teaching of thinking skills lessons 13

6 Evaluating impact 16

7 Progression 18

Summary of research 20

Next steps 22

Setting future targets 24

Introduction

Most teachers would support the idea that pupils should leave school not only with
good examination results to open the gates to employment or higher education,
but also equipped to be well-motivated learners. As such they would be able to:

• organise themselves;


• set goals or make plans;


• identify, find and use resources and sources of help;


• collect and analyse information;


• generate ideas;


• reach conclusions or produce a product;


• review or evaluate the outcome.

Through this process they would be able to plan, monitor progress, refocus where
necessary and reflect on the experience. In new learning episodes they would be
using knowledge from past learning and they would have confidence in themselves,
their ability to work with others and a thirst for learning. This capacity for lifelong
learning would not only characterise their education and work-life but pervade their
social and family life. Not many pupils attain this profile.

1 | Key Stage 3 National Strategy| Pedagogy and practice
Unit 16: Leading in learning

© Crown copyright 2004

DfES 0439-2004