Impact and Benefits

How do we know if Thinking Schools make a difference?  As a relatively new approach, formal research in this area is scarce, however, as more and more schools become thinking schools, evidence grows.  Anecdotal evidence shows improved academic results (SAT’s), greater independence in learning, increased motivation (for children and teachers), improved discipline and improved attendance amongst many other positive outcomes.

At TSI we are gathering evidence, presented in different forms, to develop as clear a picture as possible of the benefits and impact of becoming a ‘Thinking School’.  The Thinking Foundation supports qualitative and quantitative research on Thinking Maps^® as a foundational language for thinking, learning, teaching, and leading across educational organizations and continues to facilitate further research in these areas.  In the UK, evidence of the success of Thinking Schools can be found in Ofsted Reports whilst other evidence can be found in Formal Research and information from schools that have undergone the journey of becoming a thinking school.

If you are interested in carrying out some research into thinking schools –  we would be very interested to hear from you,  please do not hesitate to contact us or the Thinking Foundation.

Examples of Impact and benefits

Reflections on Impact of the Thinking School approach by Damian Groark, Headteacher of St Benet’s RC Primary School (pdf)

‘What impact has the introduction of greater opportunities for deeper creative thinking had on reticent children’s speaking and listening in KS1’ (doc)

A short report linking thinking skills to Ofsted Report from Kingsdown and Ringwould Primary School.

How have you evaluated the success of thinking strategies? Interview with Head Teacher, Bernadette Hancock, Cardiff Primary School (video)

How thinking maps support children’s learning – Burraton Primary School

What difference has being a Thinking School made? Interview with Head of Cardiff Primary School (video)

What impact has the Introduction of greater opportunities for deeper creative thinking had on children’s speaking ……. (pdf)

Evaluate the success of thinking strategies – Interview with Deputy Head of Cardiff Primary School (video)

Formal Research into Thinking

Ofsted Reports

Case Studies