Thinking Through the Curriculum

David Leat, a researcher and teacher trainer, argues that teaching thinking can act as an important counterbalance to the more instrumental approaches which are the result of some aspects of the National Curriculum. He identifies some of the key characteristics of teaching thinking lessons and goes on to present four examples of practice. However, there are a number of barriers to change and these are identified. Seeking ways to promote change is important as currently the curriculum that pupils experience does not seem to be preparing them to be good learners. The paper concludes by suggesting that Debriefing – (pupils reflecting on and explaining what they have learned) – would be an appropriate springboard for change.