Learning outside the box begins with a thought

The ability to memorize facts is not enough to equip students to solve problems or navigate an evolving world. If we educate young people to become flexible, metacognitive thinkers—and model that behavior for them— they will understand how to adapt their learning and successfully find their way in new territory. This book shows school leaders how to build a thinking culture within the entire learning community. Grounded in the research of the best proponents of critical thinking and aligned to one of the key goals of the Common Core State Standards, this practical guide provides numerous strategies to help teachers and leaders:

• Shape the school culture so that it promotes a common vision around thinking
• Create classroom conditions that help students become mindful thinkers
• Ask questions that develop skillful thinking
• Help students formulate questions that facilitate problem solving
• Work with parents to encourage skillful thinking in their children

Included are practical classroom strategies and illustrations, curriculum maps, and tools for developing students' creativity and decision-making skills. This timely resource is ideal for preparing leaders, teachers, and students to meet the escalating challenges of the future.

• The authors synthesize the research on critical thinking in an accessible format
• A variety of graphs and illustrations are offered as visual explanations for concepts.
• Tables can be used as curriculum planning source materials.
• Provides numerous strategies to help teachers teach thinking in the classroom, including how to use note-taking and grading as powerful platforms for thinking.
• The authors offer numerous educational applications for teachers and curriculum workers to more expertly create classroom conditions, instructional strategies, and curriculum maps that liberate learners' creative potentials, enhance rational decision-making and develop their propensity for continuous life-long learning.