Visible Thinking Routines, developed by researchers at Harvard’s Project Zero, are powerful tools for promoting critical thinking, metacognition, and deep learning in students. Here are a few famous Visible Thinking Routines along with examples:
- Think-Pair-Share:
- Students individually think about a question or prompt.
- Students pair up and discuss their thoughts with a partner.
- Students share their ideas with the whole class.
Example: Think about a time when you faced a challenge. Pair up with a partner and discuss how you overcame that challenge. Share one strategy you used with the class.
- See-Think-Wonder:
- Students observe an image, video, or object.
- Students note what they see, make interpretations, and ask questions.
- Students share their observations, interpretations, and questions.
Example: Show a painting to students. Ask them to observe the painting and note what they see, what they think is happening in the painting, and any questions they have about it. Discuss their observations, interpretations, and questions as a class.
- Circle of Viewpoints:
- Students examine a topic or issue from different perspectives.
- Students identify different viewpoints and explore the reasoning behind them.
- Students discuss and reflect on the importance of considering multiple viewpoints.
Example: Present a controversial topic to the class. Ask students to identify different viewpoints related to the topic and discuss the reasons people might hold those viewpoints. Reflect as a class on the importance of considering multiple perspectives in understanding complex issues.
- See-Think-Wonder-Connect:
- Students observe an image, video, or text.
- Students note what they see, make interpretations, ask questions, and make connections to prior knowledge or experiences.
- Students share their observations, interpretations, questions, and connections.
Example: Show a historical photograph to students. Ask them to observe the photograph and note what they see, what they think is happening, any questions they have, and any connections they can make to what they’ve learned about the time period. Discuss their responses as a class.
- 3-2-1 Bridge:
- Students identify three key ideas or concepts they learned.
- Students identify two connections or relationships between those ideas.
- Students identify one question or area of further exploration.
Example: After a lesson or reading, ask students to write down three key ideas or concepts they learned, two connections or relationships between those ideas, and one question they still have or an area they would like to explore further.
These Visible Thinking Routines provide students with structures and processes to engage in critical thinking, reflection, and collaborative learning. They promote deeper understanding, encourage diverse perspectives, and support the development of essential thinking skills.