So must the idea that we can teach knowledge without engaging students in thinking. Knowledge and thinking are intimately joined. This implies a curriculum organized around major concepts that students are expected to know deeply. Teaching must engage students in active reasoning about these concepts. In every subject, at every grade level, instruction and learning must include commitment to a knowledge core, high thinking demand, and active use of knowledge.
Accountable Talk Talking with others about ideas and work is fundamental to learning.
But not all talk sustains learning. Accountable talk seriously responds to and further develops what others in the group have said. It puts forth and demands knowledge that is accurate and relevant to the issue under discussion. Teachers should intentionally create the norms and skills of accountable talk in their classrooms. Socializing Intelligence Intelligence is much more than an innate ability to think quickly and stockpile bits of knowledge.