Literature & Research Libaray:
Foundations of Thinking Across the Curriculum
Constructivism
Learning is active and constructed through experience. Students build knowledge through interaction rather than passive reception. This supports the idea that thinking must be intentionally developed within disciplines.
Social Learning Theory
Learning occurs through collaboration, dialogue, and guided support. Disciplinary thinking develops when students engage in discussion and shared inquiry.
Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci)
Autonomy, competence, and relatedness drive motivation. Inquiry cycles foster belonging and identity, strengthening deep learning.
Emotion & the Brain (Immordino-Yang)
Emotion and cognition are intertwined. When students feel safe and engaged, neural pathways for learning strengthen.
Writing to Learn (Graham & Hebert)
Writing improves reading comprehension and deepens conceptual understanding. Literacy becomes a tool for thinking across subjects.
Integrated STEM (Roehrig et al.)
Interdisciplinary learning strengthens problem-solving and cognitive flexibility.
Pedagogical Tools & Approaches
🔎 Question Formulation Technique (QFT)
Students generate, refine, and prioritize questions.
Promotes inquiry, ownership, and disciplinary reasoning.
🔁 Inquiry Cycles (Ask → Explore → Reflect → Share)
Builds metacognition and cognitive flexibility across subjects.
🧠 Visible Thinking Routines
Makes thinking observable and discussable.
🚀 Project-Based Learning
Students engage in real-world, interdisciplinary problems.
🎨 Design Thinking (IDEO)
Empathy → Define → Ideate → Prototype → Test
Encourages iteration and creative reasoning.
🧩 Metacognitive Reflection
Prompts like:
“How did you figure that out?”
“What strategy helped you?”
Helps students shift reasoning across disciplines.
Additional Resources for Educators
How thinking looks different in each discipline
Passionate Instructors
Creative Mentors
Supportive Staff
Innovative Teachers
Motivated Team Members
