In part one of this series, we discussed how impactful and scalable thinking routines are for instruction. Now, I’ll share practical implementation strategies using tech tools. Thinking Routines can be enhanced with various digital resources, ranging from simple digital forms to collect student responses to AI-powered learning experiences.
Here are a few examples:
- See-Think-Wonder with Padlet – In this example, students examine weather phenomena. Padlet’s ease of use made it ideal for a busy fourth-grade teacher, and its customizable submission form accommodated students with varying levels of tech access. The commenting feature also fostered peer interaction and questioning.
- Circle of Viewpoints with Microsoft Forms – High school students used this routine to analyze social constructs in This Light Between Us. By adopting a character’s perspective, they answered questions, and Microsoft Forms generated a word cloud to spark discussion. The form’s data organization capabilities also made it a great formative assessment tool.
- Claim-Support-Question with Google Slides – Middle school students, already familiar with Google Slides, worked in pairs to analyze a financial literacy article. They used the routine to structure their notes and collaboratively summarize the article in a paragraph. This paired activity provided scaffolding and support.
Coaches, there are many ways to use thinking routines with your teachers.
- Lesson Openers – Share how they can be structured lesson-opening activities. Try out these routines for introducing and exploring ideas.
- Reflection Activities – Help them use routines to give students scaffolding to use when reflecting on a lesson.
- Formative Assessments – Work with teachers to use thinking routines as formative assessments.
- Build SEL Capacity – Help teachers cultivate empathy in their students using these thinking routines.
Using thinking routines with your teachers is a great way to become the change agent described in ISTE standard 4.1. The routines are flexible and lend themselves to a variety of technologies. Teachers can use the same routine while structuring the activity to use technology that works for each group of learners. As you coach teachers and help them match the routines to school goals and the needs of their learners, you build the culture of coaching in the school community. As the coach, you can be the one who shares the success of teachers using the various routines and the way they use technology tools to facilitate them.
You can kick off the use of thinking routines in your model lessons and your planning sessions. As teachers adopt their use across grade levels and vertically, you will see a difference in your school’s structured approach to instructional activities. The students will develop and adopt analytical skills, and teachers will be able to see and understand the logic students employ.
Are you using thinking routines in your school? Share your strategy with us below.