Teaching Material

Thinking Routine’s Toolbox

Bachelor, Executive Education, Master, PhD

Tool

General Knowledge

2h to ≤ 4h

Harvard University

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Summary

This resource from Harvard’s Project Zero introduces short, research-based sequences (Thinking Routines) that scaffold student thinking and help make cognitive processes visible. Organized by purpose (e.g., exploring ideas, perspective-taking, synthesizing), each routine includes instructions, sample questions, and implementation tips. Designed for repeated classroom use, these routines support reasoning, reflection, and metacognition across disciplines, grades, and age groups

Relevant SDGs

How to use

Select a small set of routines aligned with your learning objectives such as “See, Think, Wonder” to spark inquiry or “Circle of Viewpoints” to examine multiple perspectives. Introduce each routine clearly, model its use, and repeat it across units. Encourage students to document their thinking and revisit previous responses to trace development. Facilitate group discussion for sharing insights. Use available PDFs and implementation tips to guide classroom application, and integrate routines into both in-person and digital formats to foster critical, visible thinking in sustainability learning.

Teaching format tip

Tool

Demonstrate effective usage while encouraging experimentation and adaptation. Students should develop technical competencies and understand appropriate applications for different contexts. Use tools to enhance learning capabilities while building confidence with professional resources and methodologies.

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