Thinking Skills

Thinking skills encompass a variety of competencies that enable students to create, innovate, comprehend, justify, evaluate, analyse and reflect.

Thinking skills are not simply an "add on" to subject specific curriculum but are the foundation for student learning and achievement. We can see how well these skills are developed in essays, exams, class engagement and often in the level of a student's self confidence.

As educators that inspire, the teacher (or muse) empowers their students with concepts, processes, ideas and practice. This equips students with the tools to develop their thinking skills so that they are prepared to deal with study and life challenges, at school and beyond.

Thinking skills are interrelated though may be categorised into 3 core topics: creative thinking, critical thinking and metacognition. Together these skills provide the means to be a good problem solver and decision maker.

Creative Thinking

Not sure how your students’ thinking skills measure up? Try the Mind Muse

Thinking Skills Stocktake

Creative thinking involves generating ideas, playing with possibilities and thinking beyond the surface of problems to locate original and innovative solutions.

Creative Thinking information sheet.pdf

Critical thinking involves looking beyond the surface of information by analysing, evaluating and judging information, ideas and perspectives. Critical thinkers think before accepting a viewpoint and consider why they should favour one option over another.

Critical Thinking information sheet.pdf

Metacognition is awareness of and reflection upon, what one thinks and how one thinks. It encompasses knowledge of one’s own learning preferences and strengths, knowledge of a task’s requirements and knowledge of strategies to overcome challenges.

Metacognition information sheet.pdf

Critical Thinking

Metacognition

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