In an insightful article published on February 20, 2024, by Matthew Kloosterman, educators are introduced to innovative adaptations of visible thinking routines designed to enhance student engagement and reflection in the learning process. Visible thinking routines, which are strategies that facilitate the verbalization and demonstration of students' thought processes, are pivotal for both students and teachers, as they help conserve cognitive resources by eliminating the need for students to remember new steps or directions for each activity. Kloosterman highlights a selection of adapted routines that have proven beneficial in his experience with students, enhancing their educational journey by fostering a deeper understanding and reflection on the content learned.

One notable adaptation Kloosterman discusses is the integration of technology with the "Step Inside" routine through the use of Padlet, a digital platform. This adaptation allows students to explore characters' perspectives from literature, such as Peter Wiggin from "Ender’s Game," encouraging them to justify their views with textual evidence. This not only deepens their comprehension but also facilitates peer interaction as students respond to each other's perspectives, enriching the learning experience.

Another modified routine Kloosterman shares is "Connect, Extend, Challenge," which he has revamped to encourage collaboration among grade-seven students. By physically cutting out and grouping their responses on poster boards, students identify and discuss similarities in their thinking, promoting active engagement and ownership of their learning. This adaptation particularly benefits introverted students by providing a smaller, more comfortable group setting.

Kloosterman also explores the potential of "Headlines" for summarizing new learning in a catchy and concise manner, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and reflection on common themes across subjects. This routine not only enhances student creativity but also encourages educators to identify overlaps in content, fostering a collaborative teaching environment.

Additionally, Kloosterman introduces the "3, 2, 1 Reflection" from Thinking Pathways, an adaptation that offers a streamlined method for student reflection. This approach minimizes reliance on worksheets by using Post-it notes and bulletin boards, allowing for movement and interactive reflection on what students have learned, questions that have arisen, and challenges they've faced.

The article underscores the importance of educators embracing their professional autonomy to select and adapt visible thinking routines that best meet their students' needs. Kloosterman's shared experiences and innovative adaptations serve as a testament to the dynamic and evolving nature of education, emphasizing that teaching is both an art and a science. By leveraging these adapted routines, educators can create more engaging, reflective, and meaningful learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs of their students.

Source: Kloosterman, Matthew. "How to Adapt Visible Thinking Routines to Maximize Student Engagement." February 20, 2024.  URL

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com