Pages

Tuesday 4 June 2019

Is Creativity linked to Critical Thinking?


Earlier this Term Rooms 7 and 8 completed a survey for the Creative Schools research study: 

The Creative Schools Initiative is a research project at the University of Auckland that is interested in learning about how creativity exists and operates in a schools across New Zealand, and how we can enable schools to foster the most creative environment possible for optimal learning. 
 
          We have identified 11 dimensions of creativity in schools that include things like 
  • playfulness, 
  • collaboration,
  • risk-taking,
  • innovation, and
  • curiosity 

The team developed a 20 minute survey that asks students to answer a series of questions about their experiences of each of these dimensions in their classes. From this student-driven data, the research team are able to generate a comprehensive school report that identifies which areas of creativity your school is already excelling in, as well as which areas provide opportunities for improvement. 
Our results indicate students at St Patrick's School rate above the average across the 11 dimensions - indicating that schooling for them is a mostly creative endeavour.

How does this link to and impact on their ability to think critically?

Peter O'Connor, the research leader is presenting to staff at our 10 June staff meeting - hopefully this will give us the opportunity to ask and inquire and make explicit the strategies that are working for our school. 

Peter is also going to meet with the WFRC team to talk about connections with Manaiakalani.

More later...

Wednesday 24 October 2018

What do I think Critical thinking looks like and sounds like...




It’s thinking on purpose!

Critical thinking involves mindful communication, problem-solving, and a freedom from bias or egocentric tendency.

(Global Digital citizen’s foundation)



From classroom observations I suggest:
  • The more teacher talk the less critical thinking by students:
  • the more the students talk – discuss – debate the more they will have to think and reflect.
  • So – what are the most effective ways to decrease teacher talk and increase student talk,  while keeping the ratio  of thinking <->  talking high!


Where to next...

  • Work with teachers to identify the most effective ways to promote student thinking and talking across learning areas
Resources:




Monday 7 May 2018

In 2018 my Inquiry is based around this question:
What is an effective approach to teaching and learning critical thinking at all levels of the organisation

Below is how I hope to learn - create- share my inquiry.  





Along the way I (also) hope to share some interesting ideas, light-bulb moments etc