Michael Pohl

An absorbing day with Michael Pohl both endorsed a lot that we are already doing and left us with many ideas for enhancing inquiry and the thinking process.  Michael introduced a number of models that can be used to encourage students to think in different ways - deBono's Hats, Revised Blooms, Thinker's Keys.  It will be useful to see how each of these marries up with Forarty's Three Storey Intellect which at present forms the basis of our inquiry thinking tools.  Whichever we choose to continue with we must ensure that all staff know and understand how they fit into the inquiry process.  We need to remember to keep the toolbox manageable.

Michael also talked about developing complex thinking skills.  Some ideas he introduced:

• Both teachers and students need to become good questioners
• Acronyms - SCUMPS, SCAMPER - can help to develop analytical thinking
• Use graphic organisers/mind maps to organise information, show relationships and analyse ideas
• Develop the language of thinking.  All children - from the youngest to the oldest - should be hearing the same language.  
  
• Use visual icons to help the younger children understand the language
• Questions need to be deep, thought provoking