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Thinking Tools


Thinking tool Description Web links
Glossary of terms

An A-Z of thinking tools and strategies and models for learning. Describes: What it is – Why is it used – How it is used – Samples. Includes downloads

Tools and strategies
Bloom's taxonomy

A tool for categorising questions and activities according to six levels of thinking: remembering, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating and creating

Bloom's posters
Bloom's taxonomy wheel
Bloom's - Kurwongbah School
Cause and effect A tool that links reasons with results Cause and effect template
Concept map A graphic organiser that " that begins with a central idea and proceeds to show related ideas as branches off of the center" (Lazear, 2003)
Concept map template
Concept map example
Consequences chart A tool to look at possible solutions to a problem and the probable flow-on consequences of each solution. Used to assist in making a final decision.

Consequence chart templateConsequence / Target wheel template
Consequence wheel example

De Bono's Six Thinking Hats Thinking tool to encourage lateral thinking Summary of the Six Thinking Hats
Six Thinking Hats links - Kurwongah School
Diamond ranking A tool to order items according to priority levels Diamond ranking template
Fishbone diagram A tool to identify cause and effect. A useful essay planning tool

Fishbone diagram template
Examples of Fishbone diagrams

Flow chart A sequential list of events that have happened, or might happen Flow chart template
Graphic organisers A tool that organises information in a visual form Graphic organiser grid
Graphic organiser examples
Graphic organisers for writing activities
K-W-L What I Know - What I Want to know - What I have Learned K-W-L template
Mind map A graphic organiser is the "same as concept map except it primarily uses pictures, images, colours, designs and patterns to express concepts of ideas" (Lazear, 2003)
 
Multiple Intelligences Howard Gardner's theory identifies 8 different inelligences Test your multiple intelligence online
Gardner's multiple intelligence - Kurwongah School
PMI Plus - Minus - Interesting chart
Used to evaluate an issue
PMI chart template
Ranking Ladder Rank ideas in order of importance Ranking ladder template
SWOT Strengths - Weaknesses - Opportunities -- Threats
Used to analyse nd justify
SWOT chart template
Thinking maps A tool to assist with decision making Thinking charts
Facts chart
Venn diagram A tool for finding similarities and differences

Venn diagram template (2 circles)
Venn diagram template (3 circles)

Y chart

Used to brainstorm ideas based on what you see, feel and see
Helps to clarify concepts and ideas

Y chart template

Reference:
Lazear, D 2003, Eight ways of teaching: The artistry of teaching with multiple intelligences, 4th edn, Pearson, Glenview Illinois.

Differentiating the Curriculum - Useful Links
Differentiated instruction in Wilmette Contents: What is differentiation? - How do teachers plan for differentiation? - What are some strategies for differentiated instruction? - Wjat does DI look like in the classroom? - What is important to keep in mind about DI? -
Curriculum differntiation - an overview of research A brief overview looking at: Learning environment - Content modification - Process modification - Product modification - Management strategies