The Thinkers Keys have been sold and implemented in at least 28 countries around the world. There are 20 specific strategies – 10 critical and 10 creative. They are applicable to all ages.
Decision
This strategy helps you to make a decision. Highly suitable for procrastinators.
Info
Do verifiable research on the issue that you are studying. This generates great thinking in itself.
Rubrics
Set the standards for a learning task.
Action
Write out the Action Plan for doing a task.
Perspectives
Name a specific issue, and then state the different viewpoints to that issue.
Purpose
Clarify your reasons for engaging in an activity.
Reflection
Go metacognitive. Think about your own thinking.
Consequences
What is most likely to occur as a result of placing something into practice?
Question
Think of the key question for the issue or the unit of work that you are studying.
Three Whys
Ask 'Why is that?' three times over when you are exploring an issue.
Brainstorming
Generate lots of solutions to a problem.
Combinations
Combine disparate objects into an all-new object.
Improvements
Design improvements to a specific product or process.
Challenge
Challenge yourself to think very differently by addressing a provocative statement.
Inventions
Develop innovative devices that could be used in your everyday life.
BAR
Use the 3 steps of BAR (Bigger Add Replace) to make some changes to an object eg a laptop computer.
Brick Wall
Clarify what is stopping you from accomplishing something; and then think of how to get around it.
In Common
Name two different things / concepts, and then brainstorm common points between them.
Reverse
Generate answers to a reverse question eg How can we encourage poor nutrition? And then list the opposite answers.
Prediction
Think ahead. Ponder how things may have changed in 5, 10 or even 100 years from now.
