Curriculum Lab

Welcome to episode 10 of "EdTechVerse" podcast, where we talk about cultivating a thinking disposition in your little ones. This is also the final episode for season 1 and we look forward to you joining us in season 2 where we'll introduce and read-aloud STEAM books for elementary students.

What are thinking dispositions?

A thinking disposition is a tendency toward a particular pattern of intellectual behaviour. According to Harvard education scholar Shari Tishman, you can ask 2 questions to differentiate ability and inclination.

Can you play the piano?

Do you play the piano?

This same distinction between ability and inclination extends into our mental lives, Tishman says.

So if you want to be more inclined to critical thinking, you need to have the dispositions or you will not make full use of your cognitive faculties. There are seven such thinking dispositions:

The disposition to be broad and adventurous: The tendency to be open-minded, to explore alternative views; an alertness to narrow thinking; the ability to generate multiple options.

The disposition toward sustained intellectual curiosity: The tendency to wonder, probe, find problems, a zest for inquiry; an alertness for anomalies; the ability to observe closely and formulate questions.

The disposition to clarify and seek understanding: A desire to understand clearly, to seek connections and explanations; an alertness to unclarity and need for focus; an ability to build conceptualizations.

The disposition to be planful and strategic: The drive to set goals, to make and execute plans, to envision outcomes; alertness to lack of direction; the ability to formulate goals and plans.

The disposition to be intellectually careful: The urge for precision, organization, thoroughness; an alertness to possible error or inaccuracy; the ability to process information precisely.

The disposition to seek and evaluate reasons: The tendency to question the given, to demand justification; an alertness to the need for evidence; the ability to weigh and assess reasons.

The disposition to be metacognitive: The tendency to be aware of and monitor the flow of one's own thinking; alertness to complex thinking situations; the ability to exercise control of mental processes and to be reflective.

As your little one grows and learns new things, hitting all the development milestones, you could think about using the Visible Thinking Routines that are designed by Harvard Graduate School of Education to make thinking visible and support deeper understanding, reflection, and critical thinking in learners of all ages. Do check out Project Zero website for the routines and toolkits!

These well-researched routines provide structured frameworks for students to engage in active thinking, reflection, and meaningful discussions. They support the development of thinking skills, metacognition, and a culture of deep understanding and inquiry in the classroom. This also goes towards developing a growth mindset in your little ones as they think about their thinking and grow through the learning process.

Here are 5 suggested thinking routines you could use with your little ones.

See-Feel-Think-Wonder: Children reflect on an image or object, sharing their initial emotional response (what they see and feel), their interpretations (what they think), and their questions or wonders about it. This routine encourages emotional intelligence, interpretation, and inquiry.

Step Inside: Children take on the perspective of a character, historical figure, or concept and explore their thoughts, feelings, motivations, and actions. This routine promotes empathy, perspective-taking, and deeper understanding. This is similar to role-play.

CSI: Color, Symbol, Image: Children select a color, symbol, and image that represent their understanding or feelings about a topic or concept. This routine helps children communicate their understanding through visual representation and promotes creative thinking.

What makes you say that: Children are encouraged to provide evidence and reasoning to support their ideas or claims. It prompts them to think critically and reflect on the basis for their statements or interpretations.

I used to think … Now I think: Children are prompted to reflect on their own cognitive processes and how their thinking has developed or transformed. It encourages children to consider multiple perspectives, revise their beliefs based on evidence, and develop a more nuanced understanding of topics. Through sharing and discussion, students also benefit from hearing and respecting diverse viewpoints, promoting a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.

We hope today's EdTechVerse episode about the cultivation of thinking dispositions. Join us in August for season 2 where we read-aloud STEAM books suitable for elementary students.

As always, stay curious, and keep learning!