Defining Thinking
A broad definition of Thinking, is that it is about using creative, critical, and metacognitive processes to make sense of information, experiences, and ideas. These processes can be applied to purposes such as developing understanding, making decisions, shaping actions, or constructing knowledge. Intellectual curiosity is at the heart of this competency. Students who are competent thinkers and problem solvers seek, use, and create knowledge. They reflect on their own learning, draw on personal knowledge and intuitions, ask questions, and challenge the basis of assumptions and perceptions (World wide web).
ESL new arrivals need to understand the language of thinking in English, so that they can be better prepared for mainstream and become 21st century thinkers. There is also part of Vygotsky’s (1978) view that holds learning as a social and constructivist activity and language as a tool for thinking.
As part of the MSL requirements for action research, based on the Seven Principles of Highly Effective Professional Learning Model within the framework of the Effective Schools Model (Victorian DET, 2005) and the initiatives for ‘A Performance and Development Culture’: Advancing professional practice in schools (Victorian DET, 2006) outlined in the Blueprint for Government Schools (2003), the literature review aims to support my reasons for the action research proposal. Action research is an effective way of improving teaching and learning and professional development for teams of teachers, working collaboratively.
I have identified an aspect of teaching and learning within the school that could be improved, an audit was conducted which supported the need for change, an action research team based on solid, respectful relationships has been organised, and the action plan has been implemented (Fullan, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2008a, 2010a). The change process is supported by the following reviews:
ESL new arrivals need to understand the language of thinking in English, so that they can be better prepared for mainstream and become 21st century thinkers. There is also part of Vygotsky’s (1978) view that holds learning as a social and constructivist activity and language as a tool for thinking.
As part of the MSL requirements for action research, based on the Seven Principles of Highly Effective Professional Learning Model within the framework of the Effective Schools Model (Victorian DET, 2005) and the initiatives for ‘A Performance and Development Culture’: Advancing professional practice in schools (Victorian DET, 2006) outlined in the Blueprint for Government Schools (2003), the literature review aims to support my reasons for the action research proposal. Action research is an effective way of improving teaching and learning and professional development for teams of teachers, working collaboratively.
I have identified an aspect of teaching and learning within the school that could be improved, an audit was conducted which supported the need for change, an action research team based on solid, respectful relationships has been organised, and the action plan has been implemented (Fullan, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2008a, 2010a). The change process is supported by the following reviews: