As schools prepare for the upcoming Christmas break here is a list of books that are bound to get you thinking.
A Synthesizing Mind: A memoir from the creator of Multiple Intelligences Theory - By Howard Gardner
If you are interested in how the mind works and the nature of intelligence you have most likely encountered the work of Howard Gardner. Although best known for his work on Multiple Intelligence Theory, Gardner has also played a significant role in the work of Project Zero and more recently The Good Project. A measure of the breadth of Gardner's thinking and his impact on education is revealed when one considers that he has written thirty books.
In A Synthesizing Mind, Gardner turns his thinking towards the functioning of his own mind. He explains how he developed his theory of Multiple Intelligences and discusses how his work has been used and abused by others. He shares insights from the full range of his work and contemplates the value of a mind like his, a synthesizing mind in times of rapid change and uncertainty.
Looking for more about Multiple Intelligence Theory? - Read "Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons" by Howard Gardner
The Infinite Game - by Simon Sinek
There are broadly speaking two kinds of games. There are those that are finite. They have a beginning, a middle and an end. There are known rules, known players and a clear objective. At the end of a finite game someone is declared the winner. Then there are infinite games. In an infinite game there is no end, the players change and so do the rules. There is never a winner. Infinite games are the ones we play in life, in organisations, in the worlds of work and education. They are complex and playing them well requires an understanding of their infinite nature and the right mindset.
For anyone playing in an infinite game, this book by Simon Sinek is a must read. If you found "Start with Why" a compelling read then you will enjoy "An Infinite Game".
Looking for more on Infinite Games? - Read "Finite & Infinite Games" by James P. Carse
Looking for more by Simon Sinek? - Read "Leaders Eat Last"
If you lead a team of people, this book will show how you can have a positive impact in their lives. When leaders eat last, when leaders embrace their humanity and act with humility and build workplaces where emotional safety is truly valued, everyone is able to thrive.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Simon Sinek
The Power of Making Thinking Visible - by Ron Ritchhart & Mark Church
The Visible Thinking community set alight by the recent release of Ron Ritchhart and Mark Church’s new book “The Power of Making Thinking Visible”. In this book the authors explore how visible thinking empowers learning. If you are a teacher who enjoys using thinking routines, this book will elevate their use to new levels. The book reveals the Six Powers of Making Thinking Visible and reveals approaches that will ensure each is maximised. An added bonus is a set of 18 new Thinking Routines developed by the authors and practised in classrooms around the world. The book includes comprehensive notes for each routine along with examples of their use.
“We are thrilled to announce the publication of our latest book, The Power of Making Thinking Visible due out in April, 2020. Since Making Thinking Visible was first published in 2011, Mark Church and I have continued to research the use of thinking routines and their impact on learning (we share both qualitative and quantitative data in the new book). At the same time, we have been developing new routines to help structure, facilitate, and enhance learning and thinking. This companion book of new thinking routines draws on the work we have been doing in schools around the world and provides rich examples of the routines in action across multiple grade levels and subject areas. We also articulate exactly why and how the practice of making thinking visible is so powerful for teachers and students.” (Ron Ritchhart)
By Nigel Coutts