April 2005 — Features

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Using Mindtools in Education

By Denise S. Averill, River Vale Public Schools, N.J.

Complex Thinking Skills. Complex thinking combines the basic learning and recall of both critical thinking and creative thinking into larger processes. Using mindtools, students produce new ideas and make decisions by selecting between alternatives in a systematic way (i.e., identifying an issue, generating alternatives, assessing consequences, making choices and evaluating).
  • Collaborative Use of Mindtools. The use of mindtools can make better communicators and more sensitive students who are better at organizing content and clearly identifying the group goal and content domain. By using mindtools, one can delegate tasks and subtasks to individuals. Also, communication skills are made when mindtools are used. Leadership skills should be modeled by the teacher and then assigned to students. Cooperation with others (group members) can be assessed by having students share, accept, and support the needs and wants of others.

    References

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    Brooks, J., and M. Brooks. 1993. In Search of Understanding: The Case for Constructivist Classrooms. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

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    Cradler, J., and E. Bridgforth. No date. "Recent Research on the Effects of Technology on Teaching and Learning." San Francisco: WestEd. Retrieved March 20, 2004, from www.wested.org/techpolicy/research.html .

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    El-Hindi, A., and D. Leu (Eds.). 1998. "Beyond Classroom Boundaries: Constructivist Teaching With the Internet." The Reading Teacher 51 (8): 694-700. Retrieved July 20, 2004, from www.readingonline.org/electronic/RT/constructivist.html .

    Franklin, U. 1990. "The Real World of Technology." CBC Massey Lecture Series. Concord, ON: Anansi.

    Gardner, H. 1983. Tapping Into Multiple Intelligences. Retrieved April 2, 2004, from www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/month1/index.html .

    Gavelek, J., and T. Raphael. 1996. "Changing Talk About Text: New Roles for Teachers and Students." Language Arts 73: 182-192.

    George Lucas Educational Foundation. 2004. Instructional Module: Why is Project-Based Learning Important? Retrieved June 29, 2004, from www.glef.org/modules/PBL/whypbl.php .

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