Benefits of Thinking-Based Learning
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ScribdTranslationsBenefits of Thinking-Based Learning
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ScribdTranslationsModel author: Robert Swartz.
What is 'Thinking-Based Learning'?
Thinking-Based Learning -TBL- is a new teaching methodology in which the
instruction in thinking skills is infused into the content of the curriculum, so that the
teachers encourage students to use these higher order thinking skills to explore in
depth of what they are learning in the general curriculum.
How and in what way can learning be transformed?
Students learn in a more motivating and active way through thinking, rather than just
to pass exams in a passive and memoristic way as happens today in many classrooms
focused on the role of the teacher. More importantly, they learn thinking skills
important from a deep and enriched way to compare and contrast things to accomplish with
skill a decision-making or problem-solving. These skills will remain with
they the rest of their lives.
You talk about the importance of 'learning to think skillfully,' what does this mean and how can it
contribute to the students' learning?
Everyone thinks, but not everyone thinks as carefully as they could. Think about how many
sometimes we make decisions in our life that, after carrying them out, we realize that we do not
we have reflected enough on them and, therefore, they have proven to be a bad choice. The
teachers can teach students how to think more carefully and skillfully before
make a decision and solve problems.
What is the role of the teacher in this model change?
Its role is to guide and present challenging objectives to students so that they learn to use a good
way of thinking -higher order thinking skills and not just memory- applied in the
learning the content. Introduce these thinking skills and practice them both alone and
in work groups is the main role of the teacher in this new methodology, not simply to give
lectures and transmit information for rote learning.
Are teachers prepared to be part of this change? Do you believe that the way to train
Should professors at the university change?
No, the teachers have not been trained to teach this way, but they should be.
It's a shame that most teacher training programs still educate them to teach.
with the old methods. This means we have to teach teachers how to teach in a
distant. But this is not difficult. In fact, for many teachers this is a natural way - and
much more satisfying - to teach. And each teacher can make these changes.
Should parents be part of this process?
Absolutely yes. Parents can not only reinforce this style of teaching and learning at home, but
many of these skills such as decision-making and problem-solving. Skills that
They can use at home with their children to make decisions more carefully and solve problems.
more efficiently.
Do you think that the use of new methodologies is positive for this new model of teaching?
The use of new methodologies develops the skills of our students. Think about how much
Information is at our fingertips and the capabilities in this regard that they have
today's students compared to those they had 15 years ago. But, like everything, these
New technologies should be used with care and common sense.
Benefits of Thinking-Based Learning (TBL)
Thinking-Based Learning (TBL) is an active methodology that teaches
to encourage students to think, reason, make decisions, and build their own learning through the work of
curriculum themes. The objective, therefore, is not just for students to acquire knowledge of
syllabus, but also develop skills and abilities related to thinking and be able to
put them into practice in the future autonomously, for any other topic, concept, or challenge. We explain to you
the keys to this methodological approach and the advantages it entails when used in the classroom.
THE KEYS TO THINKING-BASED LEARNING
The main figure of thinking-based learning is Robert Swartz, philosopher, professor, and researcher.
person responsible for the organizationCenter for Teaching ThinkingSwartz argues that one should exercise and work the
critical and creative thinking within the framework of the curricular content and this is precisely the objective of the
Thinking-Based Learning. It is, therefore, a methodology that changes the approach with which one ...
they face the contents: it is not about memorizing or learning basic notions about a topic or concept,
to put into practice and assimilate the necessary procedures to generate and develop knowledge.
The TBL requires, consequently, that the teacher guides and instructs the students in the procedures.
necessary to perform higher order reasoning and in the thinking routines that afterwards
students put into practice to face the content in a reflective and deep way that are
learning. For this, they use different tools and strategies, such as specific questions and
graphic organizers, and work together in cooperative groups. They learn to think and make decisions with
skill, taking into account the available options, the positive and negative consequences, and their importance,
and selecting the best option accordingly. In this way, critical and creative thinking is integrated into
the teaching-learning of the content and, at any other time the students want
to understand or assimilate a concept, they can put into practice the thinking tools that they have
acquired by applying them to the new information.
FIVE ADVANTAGES OF TBL
1. Promotes active learning. Compared to traditional teaching methods where the teacher
transmit the information to the students, who should only memorize it, the TBL places the student in the
center of their learning. It is the student who must build knowledge, which results in much
more motivating and effective.
Achieve a deeper and more meaningful understanding by building and developing your own learning.
through various techniques and tools, the student better assimilates knowledge, analyzes it,
relates and reaches a deeper understanding.
3. It is very versatile. It is a teaching method that can be applied to any subject, topic or
concept included in the curriculum and, in addition, can be combined with many other active methodologies,
such as project-based learning, collaborative work, or flipped classroom pedagogy.
It adjusts, therefore, to different ways of teaching-learning and organizing the classroom.
4. Allows for a more effective evaluation. With TBL, the result is only one part of learning: the essential.
It is the procedure carried out to attain knowledge. This also affects the process of
evaluation and, when facing an exam or a test, students do not limit themselves to recalling what they have learned,
but reproduce the process, relate the acquired information and demonstrate a true
understanding of the concepts or topics evaluated. This method promotes that you use diverse
assessment instruments.
5. Develops skills and abilities for a lifetime. This method not only makes it easier for students
they understand and assimilate the curricular contents, but it also teaches them to think, it drives them to
reflection and encourages them to dialogue, express their viewpoints, and collaborate. In the process, they put in
They practice different strategies and acquire a multitude of skills and thought abilities that they
they will be useful throughout their entire academic, work, and personal journey, such as:
Search, processing, analysis, classification, and evaluation of information.
Creativity, curiosity, and innovation.
Problem formulation and resolution.
Decision making.
Effort, perseverance, and overcoming mistakes or challenges.
Search for accuracy, truthfulness, and precision.
Autonomy and ability to collaborate.
Listen, understand, and empathize.
Oral and written expression.
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TWENTY-FIVE WAYS TO SHOW WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
1. Presentation. It is one of the most useful tools for your students to explain what they know and what
Share with the rest of the colleagues. Prezi htps://[Link]/ can help them to be more.
dynamic and interactive.
2. Digital brochure. Summarizing information on a topic in a brochure can help them synthesize it.
learned. To design it, you can use Issuu [Link]
3. School magazine or newspaper. Through its creation, students can show how they are planned,
they organize and develop a specific topic, write it, illustrate it, design it... with tools like
Lucid Press or Joomag will be easier for you.
4. Essay. Ideal for synthesizing, structuring, and assimilating the learned content.
5. Speech. Writing and delivering a speech helps them develop communication skills and
expression, while showing what they know.
6. Debate. Students can take on different roles and draw on their knowledge to argue.
against their opponents.
7. Literary circle. Participating in an activity of this type will encourage reading among your students and will make
that they become literary critics, analyze and comment on the works read, what they liked the most or
disgusted, and even investigate to learn more about them and present it to their peers.
8. Experiment. Another idea to assimilate knowledge is to explain it through an experiment, already
that in this way it becomes easier to explain the more complex concepts. You can find inspiration
Sick Science!, Home experiments and Full Experiments.
9. Illustration. Very useful for memorizing and capturing the different parts of living beings, of the body
human, of important or characteristic buildings, scenes of social life of each era... They can
include handwritten or digital annotations.
10. Maps. They can be geographical, historical, climatic, or on many other subjects, always with a legend and
graphic elements. They constitute a different way of handling content. To make maps
digital can use StepMap.
[Link] gallery. Another way to learn is to take photographs and show through images the
learned concepts. Above all, if explanations such as captions are included. Some platforms
to store images and create albums are Flickr or Picasa.
12. Infographic. In graphic aesthetics, students can visually explain certain topics. It is about
that they analyze what they have learned, synthesize it, and present it in a simple way with data and images.
[Link] and Piktochart are two simple tools for creating infographics.
13. Comic. This is another type of narration that allows expressing the acquired knowledge in a way
different. Students can develop their own comics with Pixton.
14. Digital mural. Organizing ideas on a poster can also help your students to express what
You know. With [Link] you can do it in digital version.
[Link]. Another way to demonstrate your knowledge is to design a game. For example, you can create
Trivial, where they must write the questions and the answers.
16. Timeline. Very useful for subjects like History or Literature, or to narrate any type of
temporal process. Furthermore, thanks to digital tools like Dipity or TimeRime, your students
They can add images, videos, or links to the timelines.
17. Model or diorama. Creating small representations of reality can serve, for example, to
to show in a fun way what a volcano, a prehistoric village, or a comedy corral is like, and
at the same time, make the students develop their most creative side.
[Link]. Individual or collective, blogs allow students to publish and share knowledge.
ideas and opinions. Through this content transmission, they demonstrate their knowledge and, at the same time,
they continue learning. Two of the most well-known tools for creating them are Blogger and WordPress.
[Link]. A little more complex than writing a blog is developing a website on a certain topic, as the
alumni have to design it, structure the pages and sections, write the texts, include elements
graphics etc. Some simple tools to create websites are Weebly or Wix.
20. Animation and filmed video. Audiovisual language is very present in the lives of students.
but not so much in the classrooms. Creating a video, whether recorded or animated, will allow them to develop their
audio-visual literacy, express what they know in a different way, work on digital skills
and creativity, and learn to structure and synthesize information. With Wideo you can create videos of
animation and edit the recorded pieces with Windows Movie Maker.
21. Audio recording. Through audio recordings, your students can publish interviews,
to create reports and even set up a public radio program. It's a fun way to
work on the contents and learn actively. You can do this with the Audacity program or with
Vocaroo.
22. Play. Combine the creativity and imagination required by dramatic art with content.
Curricular activities in different subjects is a different way of learning that motivates students and
allows them to develop different intelligences. While they work on the established content by the
teachers must write, interpret, design sets, costumes, lights, etc.
23. Dance. Like in the case of theater, dance is another performing art that helps students address the
contents in a different and creative way, with which they can interpret and express the contents
learned in a symbolic and fun way. What would a choreography about ecosystems be like? Or a
musical based on the life of Cervantes?
24. Concept map. It is one of the simplest ways to know if your students have understood the
Topics covered in class, as they have to capture all the essential content, structure them and
relate them to each other. With Popplet or Gliffy you can do them in digital version.
25. Song. What better than music to motivate students and awaken their artistic sensitivity and their
Listen! Through the composition of a song, they can work, assimilate, and explain the contents.
studied while working on written expression and musical skills. As a sample, look at the
What are these 4th grade students from the Miraflores School in Ourense doing.
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Common questions
Powered by AITBL prepares students for real-world problem-solving and decision-making by equipping them with skills such as critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. By integrating thinking skills into curriculum content, students learn to approach problems reflectively and systematically. They are trained to consider various options, weigh positive and negative consequences, and make informed decisions. Furthermore, TBL encourages collaborative learning, where students work together, share perspectives, and refine their problem-solving strategies. This comprehensive framework not only helps students achieve a deeper understanding of the material but also ensures that they can apply these skills in diverse real-world situations effectively and autonomously .
Educators might face several challenges when implementing Thinking-Based Learning, including a lack of training, resistance to change from traditional methods, and the need for a shift in classroom culture. Many teachers have not been trained in TBL methodologies and might initially find it challenging to integrate thinking skills seamlessly into existing curricula. There may also be resistance due to comfort with traditional teaching approaches focused on rote learning. To address these challenges, educators should receive professional development and training in TBL strategies. Schools can foster a supportive environment by encouraging collaborative teaching practices and creating a culture open to innovation and experimentation in teaching methods .
TBL facilitates a more comprehensive evaluation of student learning outcomes by focusing not only on the final product or knowledge recall but also on the learning process and skill application. Unlike traditional assessments that primarily test memory, TBL assessments evaluate how students apply thinking routines, analyze information, and demonstrate understanding of concepts through various means. This approach allows educators to assess students' ability to relate, synthesize, and reflect on acquired knowledge, providing a more holistic view of their learning journey. As a result, students are evaluated on their capacity to think critically and creatively, ensuring that they attain a deeper mastery of the subject matter .
In TBL, thinking routines play a crucial role in structuring students' thought processes and promoting deeper understanding of content. These routines are deliberate strategies that guide students in exploring, analyzing, and synthesizing information. By employing thinking routines, students learn to systematically approach complex problems, consider multiple perspectives, and reflect critically on their learning. This approach not only enhances comprehension of the material but also equips students with skills to tackle novel challenges independently, thereby fostering lifelong learning. Thinking routines contribute to student understanding by making the process of learning more purposeful, intentional, and reflective .
Thinking-Based Learning (TBL) differs from traditional educational methodologies by emphasizing active learning and student-centered inquiry. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on memorization and rote learning with the teacher as the central figure delivering information, TBL places students at the center of the learning process. Students engage in building their knowledge through active engagement with content, facilitated by the teacher who guides them in using thinking routines and strategies. This engagement leads to deeper and more meaningful learning experiences, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills instead of mere acquisition of information for exams .
TBL supports long-term learning and skill retention by actively engaging students in constructing their knowledge through critical thinking and reflection. Unlike traditional teaching methods that primarily focus on memorization, TBL encourages students to understand and assimilate content deeply by applying thinking routines. This active involvement helps students internalize knowledge and develop skills that are not only immediately relevant but also applicable in future situations. The skills learned through TBL, such as analysis, decision-making, and problem-solving, become ingrained as they are consistently practiced and refined throughout the learning process, leading to better retention and transferability to new contexts .
Thinking-Based Learning (TBL) is highly versatile and can be integrated with various other educational methodologies, such as project-based learning, collaborative work, and flipped classroom approaches. This adaptability allows TBL to be applied across different subjects, topics, and learning contexts. It enhances the effectiveness of these methodologies by infusing higher order thinking skills into the learning process, promoting student engagement and active participation. By integrating with other methods, TBL enables a comprehensive approach to education that not only focuses on content knowledge but also on the development of critical cognitive skills, preparing students for complex real-world challenges .
Parents can contribute to the success of Thinking-Based Learning at home by reinforcing thinking skills like decision-making and problem-solving with their children. They can create a home environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and creative exploration. By engaging children in discussions that require reflective thinking, helping them weigh options before making choices, and supporting them in collaborative problem-solving activities, parents can extend the TBL strategies beyond the classroom. Moreover, parents can collaborate with educators to align home activities with classroom learning objectives, ensuring consistency in skill development .
TBL enhances the role and effectiveness of teachers by shifting them from being mere transmitters of information to facilitators and guides in the learning process. Teachers in TBL are expected to introduce thinking skills, guide students through challenging objectives, and help them practice these skills both independently and in groups. By doing so, teachers foster an environment where students learn to use higher order thinking skills in understanding curriculum content. This transformation allows teachers to engage students more actively, encouraging deeper cognitive processing and skill development. Additionally, teachers are involved in continuously improving their methods, becoming co-learners in the educational process, thus enhancing their satisfaction and effectiveness in teaching .
The primary objectives of Thinking-Based Learning (TBL) are twofold: to move beyond mere acquisition of knowledge from the curriculum to developing students' skills and abilities related to thinking, and to enable students to apply these skills autonomously in various future contexts. Through TBL, students are encouraged to engage actively with the content, constructing knowledge rather than passively memorizing it. This approach emphasizes higher order reasoning, critical and creative thinking within curriculum topics, and the ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively. Consequently, students not only achieve a deeper understanding of the subject matter, but also acquire lifelong skills in critical thinking and problem-solving .