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Collins et al's Cognitive Apprenticeship in Action

Collins et al's Cognitive Apprenticeship in Action

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Cognitive Apprenticeship: Making Thinking Visible was published in 1991 by Allan Collins, John Seely Brown, and Ann Holum. John Tomsett developed techniques to make expert subject thinking visible to his students, and the principles have been woven throughout Huntington School in York, where Tomsett is headteacher. This book discusses how Huntington School teachers use cognitive apprenticeship techniques to make their disciplinary thinking visible and help their students learn those same expert thought processes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2021
Publisher: John Catt Educational Ltd


In 1991, Allan Collins, John Seely Brown, and Ann Holum published "Cognitive Apprenticeship: Making Thinking Visible." Nearly a quarter of a century later, John Tomsett encountered their paper, and since then, it has influenced his teaching immeasurably. Collins et al. believed that domain (subject) knowledge alone provided insufficient clues for many students about how to actually go about solving problems and carrying out tasks in a domain. They believed that making expert subject thinking visible to students was crucial. Consequently, Tomsett developed a number of techniques that made his expert subject thinking visible to his students, resulting in significant improvements.

Beyond his own practice, the principles behind Collins et al.'s paper have been woven throughout Huntington School in York, where Tomsett is headteacher. Huntington School is a research school whose teachers are committed to developing evidence-informed classroom practice. In this book, a number of Huntington School teachers discuss, in a series of brief essays, what they consider to be the expert thought processes specific to their individual subject domains. They explain in detail how they use cognitive apprenticeship techniques in action to make their disciplinary thinking visible and help their students learn those same expert thought processes.

This book is a priceless contribution to the current debate about the curriculum and how it is taught in our schools. It provides valuable insights into the effective strategies teachers can use to enhance students' cognitive abilities and promote deep learning. By making expert subject thinking visible, teachers can help students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of their disciplines.

The book also highlights the importance of collaboration and peer learning in the cognitive apprenticeship process. Teachers can facilitate collaborative learning environments where students can share their ideas, discuss their thinking, and work together to solve complex problems. This not only promotes deeper learning but also helps students develop social skills and a sense of community.

Overall, "Cognitive Apprenticeship: Making Thinking Visible" is a must-read for educators who are committed to improving their teaching practices and promoting student learning. It offers practical strategies and insights that can be applied in any classroom setting, regardless of the subject domain. By making thinking visible, educators can help students achieve their full potential and prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century.

Weight: 226g
Dimension: 148 x 210 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913622435

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