How to Teach Thinking

How to Teach Thinking develops a range of tools for bringing together two essential components of effective learning: knowledge (what we know) and cognitive skills (how we learn). Mediation is the way in which these cognitive skills can be taught and promoted, ensuring successful learning for everyone and particularly for those with additional learning needs. This book blends theory and practice to embed thinking skills both in everyday classroom practice and for daily life activities.

The book is divided into two parts, the first of which offers an exploration of the conceptual foundations of cognitive skills, including executive functioning and metacognition, which can be applied to a range of problem-solving activities. The second part develops the infusion model of teaching, an inclusive approach which incorporates thinking skills within the day-to-day curriculum. A user-friendly framework is set out with step-by-step guidance for mediating cognitive thinking skills, together with a wealth of resources and strategies to support the process, including practical scripts.

With case examples to bring theory to life, How to Teach Thinking is an essential resource for Special Educational Needs Coordinators, teaching assistants, mainstream and specialist teachers, and educational psychologists, to enhance their practice. It will also be of use to speech and language therapists to incorporate a cognitive approach to enrich the development of reasoning skills.