Thinking words
The table below contains a list of ‘thinking’ words from various Key Stage 3
National Curriculum subjects, which represent important skills. Do pupils really
understand these words (which is more than being able to give a rehearsed
definition)? If they understand them at all, do they have depth in that
understanding? In relation to evaluation, do pupils know:
- what criteria are?
- that criteria selected should be chosen according to purpose?
- that values influence choice of criteria?
- what prejudice is?
- that criteria can be used in a variety of ways, such as equal weighting, loaded
weighting, intuitively?
19 | Key Stage 3 National Strategy| Pedagogy and practice
Unit 16: Leading in learning
© Crown copyright 2004
DfES 0439-2004analyse listen for gist synthesise
identify vary speculate
evaluate organise and present question critically
prioritise skim adapt
select scan practise
clarify summarise improvise
classify explore ideas develop ideas
justify investigate compare
make decisions listen with discrimination weigh viewpoints
explain experiment rehearse
apply rules and make reasoned recognise limitations
conventions judgements of accuracy
infer deduce check
narrow down draw conclusions use logical argument
refine collaborate combine