Looking for generic tools to develop thinking and AfL that will work across the curriculum and Key Stages? Then NGfL Cymru has just what you need.
We’ve had great fun creating a bank of generic thinking tools that can be used to help develop meta-cognition. Many of our tools complement the Welsh Assembly’s Developing Thinking and Assessment for learning document (for example this living graph is a flash based resource that can be edited and saved to create a bespoke activity for your class).
Others have evolved from projects we have been involved in with teachers across Wales, looking at the most effective ways to enhance teaching and learning (like this activity called ‘It’s your choice’ – another flash based resource than can be edited and saved).
Through our Good Practice area you can now access, in both English and Welsh, these ready to use ideas and adaptable templates. Initially, you will be able to view a few examples, but once you’ve become a registered user you will be able to access the entire range of resources. Registration is free, will only take a couple of minutes and can be accessed by clicking on ‘My NGfL Cymru’.
To access the resources click on Good Practice on the top toolbar and then select ‘Tools to support the development of thinking’.
Why not take the opportunity of having an NGfL Cymru Field Development Officer visit your school to help you get the best out of these tools? If you wish to arrange a visit please email info@ngfl-cymru.org.uk or telephone 029 2026 5177
I have to admit, the question: “Are you serious about getting your students to think?” really caught my attention. I am a sixth year teacher in the US and I’m very serious about it. In fact, I have an iPhone app called Stick Pick that just came out in the app store on Thursday. The app helps teachers frame questions conveniently and quickly and even keeps track if students’ responses! I’d love to hear what you think about it.
Sincerely,
Buzz Garwood
Hi Buzz,
Thanks for your comment! I had a look at Stick Pick and it looks very interesting. We try to build Socratic and Higher-Lower order questions in all our resources to encourage learners to think more deeply. Having a prompt for the teacher like what Stick Pick, and like many of the resources on our website, does can be very powerful. Have you tried any of our Developing Thinking Tools yet? What do you think about them?
Thanks,
Alessio.