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Aims of this session

To outline why problem solving is the

appropriate way of developing thinking

and learning.

To reflect upon our own teaching and

learning considering how it fosters

problem solving and thinking skills.

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Who am I? (1)

A classroom teacher with over 15 years

experience

12 years as a Head of History

AST in history since 2004

Responsible for teaching & learning in the

biggest school in KentInvolved in problem solving and project

based learning since 2003.

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Who am I? (2)

A passionate Scot living in Kent

A Francophile

Someone who doesnt understand thatpatience is a virtue (so I am told)

A bookworm (so my partner says)

A lover of travel and other culturesA person who manages stress but has no

empathy (according to EI tests!!).

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Elements of learning capacity

Intuition

Memory

CreativityReasoning/Logic

Metacognition

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Role of parents and teachers

Experiential play

Linked to social,emotional, physical

and cognitivedevelopment

Parents and teachersas role models

Providingopportunities topractice and learn

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Problem solving

Maximises thedevelopment ofchildrens learning

Uses a full range ofhuman abilities

Children acquirecompetencies

Understanding ofprocess across arange of activities

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A full range of abilities

Movement

Auditory

Visual/

Spatial

Mechanical/

Technical

Scientific/

Realistic

Mathematic/

Symbolic

Linguistic/

Symbolic

Spiritual

Emotional

Social/

Human

Human

Abilities

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Discussion point

Which of the human abilities are most dominant in yourpersonality? Fill in the questionnaire to find out.

Which of these abilities do you see most often in theclassroom?

Which could be better catered for?

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A rich learning environment is a

balancing act

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Over rich environments

Flood the child

Deny the child their

individuality

Cut down on personal

space and rest

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Impoverished environments

Deny experiential

opportunities

Lack dynamism

Lack physicality

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Discussion point

In what ways do our school classrooms foster

an enabling environment for our students?

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Vital Learning Capacities

June Maker and Belle Wallace (2004)

Creativity

Think, develop &

implement new ideas

New ways

Metacognition

Think about thinking

Reflect & Select

Self-monitoring

Reasoning

Link ideas

systematically

Explain, evaluate

& decide

Memory

Recall knowledge

Use skillsUse techniques

Research

Intuition

Thinking rapidly

Knowing & Feeling

Insight

Problem Solving

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Discussion point

In your teaching and learning how far do youencourage opportunities for students to develop

these learning capacities?

Where could you create space to deliver them

more fully?