Learning to Learn at The Essington School

Tony Ryan - Thinker's Keys
 
Learning to Learn
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Thinker's Keys
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'Thinker's Keys', developed by Tony Ryan, are a set of twenty different tasks designed to motivate and engage students in a wide range of thinking tasks.

The keys are presented as questions requiring learners to use and develop their analytical, critical and creative thinking skills.  The questions are based on a theme or unit of work.

The keys:

The Reverse Place words such as 'cannot', 'never' and 'would not' in sentences which are commonly displayed in listing format.
The What If Ask a 'What if...' question.  Learners record their thinking in a graphic organiser.
The Alphabet Compile a list of words from A to Z.
The BAR The acronym - BAR can be used to improve on the design of everyday objects - B=Bigger, A=Add, R=Remove or Replace
The Construction Construction problem-solving tasks that required the creative use of everyday materials.
The Disadvantages List the disadvantages, then list some ways of correcting them.
Different Uses List different uses for a chosen object from an area of study.
The Prediction Predict possible outcomes to a set of given circumstances or a particular situation.
The Picture A simple picture/diagram is presented and learners try to work out ways in which it could be linked into the theme or unit of work.
The Ridiculous Learners are presented with a ridiculous statement and they have to attempt to substantiate it.
The Commonality Learners are presented with two objects which have little to do with each other and they have to find points of commonality.
The Inventions Learners are encouraged to develop inventions which are constructed in an unusual manner or using unusual materials.
The Alternatives Learners list ways in which to complete a task without using the normal tools or implements.
The Question Start with an answer - learners try to list questions which could give only that answer.
The Brainstorming State a problem which needs to be solved.
Forced Relationship Learners develop a solution to a problem by employing a number of dissimilar objects.
The Combination List the attributes of two unmatched objects, then combine the attributes to create a new or better product.
Interpretation Describe an unusual situation and ask learners to think of some different explanations for the existence of that situation.
The Brick Wall Make a statement which could not generally be questioned or disputed, and then try to break down the wall by finding other ways of dealing with the situation.
The Variations Students find many ways to overcome an obstacle or solve a problem.

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