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Nord Anglia Education's New Thinking Routines with Project Zero

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Nord Anglia Education, a prominent international schools group, has unveiled a set of innovative 'Thinking Routines' developed in partnership with Project Zero, a research initiative from Harvard University. These routines are designed to cultivate essential life skills in students, focusing on creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.

Understanding Thinking Routines

The newly introduced Thinking Routines serve as structured strategies to support students in organizing their thoughts, formulating better questions, and engaging in deeper self-reflection. Originally created by Project Zero, these routines have gained global traction, empowering classrooms with methodologies that promote active and purposeful student-led thinking.

A Diverse Set of Routines

Together, Nord Anglia Education and Project Zero have crafted 17 unique routines that align with Nord Anglia's six core Learner Ambitions: Creativity, Curiosity, Compassion, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Commitment. These competencies are crucial for nurturing reflective learners ready to face future challenges.

Among the diverse set of routines, a few notable ones include:

• - Curiosity: 'Know, Not Know, Want to Know' - This routine encourages students to identify gaps in their knowledge and articulate meaningful questions for inquiry.
• - Compassion: 'Suppose It Were Me' - Designed to cultivate empathy, this routine prompts students to consider the perspectives of others.
• - Collaboration: 'Dodging Groupthink' - This strategy fosters independent thinking even in group settings, allowing each voice to be heard.
• - Critical Thinking: 'Think That. Stand Back. Push Back.' - This assists learners in scrutinizing assumptions and constructively challenging ideas.
• - Commitment: 'Appointments With Myself' - By promoting self-reflection and setting personal goals, this routine helps students become more intentional about their learning journey.

Educators' Insights

Dr. Kate Erricker, managing education research at Nord Anglia Education, emphasized the positive impact of these Thinking Routines, stating, “They are not just enhancing student learning; they’re cultivating essential skills that contribute to a thoughtful and resilient individual.” Dr. Flossie Chua, Principal Investigator at Project Zero, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project, which has revitalized classroom interactions across the globe.

DELTA Research Initiative

The development of these routines is part of Nord Anglia's DELTA initiative (Dispositions for Engaging Learning Today). A group of 30 teachers from the Nord Anglia schools worldwide worked closely with Project Zero researchers to tailor these routines to meet contemporary educational needs. As technology, including AI, transforms education, these Thinking Routines underscore the necessity of nurturing uniquely human skills essential for the future.

Nord Anglia is committed to empowering its educators, offering them opportunities to collaborate and share insights with leading figures in the field of education. This not only enhances classroom strategies but also bolsters the professional growth of teachers.

A Commitment to Future-Ready Learning

Nord Anglia’s approach aims to inspire students to excel beyond their expectations, shaping them into globally-minded citizens prepared for the realities of society. With over 80 schools across 37 countries and an enrollment surpassing 90,000 students, Nord Anglia continues to pioneer educational excellence grounded in effective learning methodologies.

For more information about how Nord Anglia integrates metacognition into its teaching practices, visit Nord Anglia Education. Through this initiative, the organization demonstrates its unwavering commitment to academic innovation and student empowerment.