Having some control does not mean students go off and choose any topic at random and do whatever they want with it. Over time, self-regulated learners develop certain critical and creative thinking skills and characteristics that enable them to identify and investigate all sorts of topics in meaningful and fulfilling ways. More about active use of knowledge C ognition is a constructive process. Students do not simply take in information and then act on it. More precisely, they perceive and learn through a process of active connection-making.
Students build new understandings by weaving what they already know with new information.
Overwhelmingly, educational researchers argue against a passive conception of learning. H ere are few examples of the types of thinking skills and behaviors evident in a Thinking Classroom. The key to teaching thinking is to get students to take cognitive action. K ick-Off Activities are a great way to enter into new and unfamiliar learning territory. The Kick-Off Activity is designed to get you to roll up your sleeves and begin working with some of the ideas in the Thinking Classroom.