Professional Learning Institute

Elective: Building a Meta-Curriculum

This module provides participants with the opportunity to learn about strategies that support independent learning and to design learing experiences that develop meta-thinking skills.

Unit 1

Instruction in the correct application of De Bono's 6 Thinking Hats and Parallel Thinking by an internationally accredited instructor in 6 Thinking Hats and Lateral Thinking.

Introduction to concepts and issues relating to positive thinking behaviours for mindful thinking, and the concept of growing Reflective Intelligence (knowing our way around thinking) to counter default thinking habits of narrow, hasty, fuzzy and sprawling thinking.

Unit 2
Building the meta-curriculum (thinking curriculum) with the design of thinking mini-lessons as Mediated Learning Experiences for the correct teaching of the 6 Thinking Hats, Parallel Thinking and positive thinking behaviours (Thinking Dispositions:Thinking Building Blocks). 

Follow-up Activities

• A personal Thinking Journal, with inclusion of specific tasks, to be completed as between unit activities in order to increase repertoire of personal thinking tools in preparation for the introduction of these tools into the classroom
• Reading, reflecting on, and discussing online specific papers and articles relating to cognitive education issues and the links between thining/learning/intelligence.
• An invitation to attend a Thinking Leaders Forum and become a participating member of the Public Schools Thinking and Learning Innovation Consortium for further development of cognitive education practices.

Further information will be provided during the first unit.