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Infusing thinking into curriculum content
Citation
Ong, A. C. (2000, December). Infusing thinking into curriculum content. Paper presented at the AARE Conference, Sydney, Australia.
Author
Ong, Ai Choo
Abstract
Helping students become more effective thinkers is a fundamental goal in education. In recent years societal demands
for higher order thinking has generated a strong interest among educators in the teaching of thinking skills. The
educational system in Singapore has undertaken major initiatives to introduce far-reaching curricula changes to
promote creative and critical thinking in students. In attempting curricula innovations, educators in Singapore find
themselves confronted with a confusing variety of models of thinking skills and approaches to the teaching of thinking.
They have to grapple with myriad of issues including the conflicting demands of teaching curriculum content and the
necessity to inculcate thinking skills. This paper describes a major pilot project which attempted to address some of
these key issues. The outcome is an integrative model and framework for a thinking curriculum that was successfully
implemented in vocational education This model has been adapted and currently taught in pre- and in-service teacher
education courses. In this paper, a brief description of the thinking model is provided as well as the key steps involved
in implementing and delivering a thinking curriculum.
Date Issued
December 2000