DEVELOPING A THINKING CULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM: A PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH

Abstract

In this study, cooperating with the classroom teacher, the researcher aimed to improve the thinking skills of students through teaching activities prepared based on the dimensions of thinking cultures. The research is designed using the qualitative paradigm in the participatory action research model. A total of six cycles were carried out during the thirty-three-week application process in line with the ‘cultures of thinking dimensions’ along the research process. The implementation process focusing on the cooperation of the teacher and researcher as a weekly cycle in the form of problem detection, literature review and seminar, preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the action plan. The action research reveals that developing a culture of thinking increases the diversity and frequency of utilization of the thinking skills by students. The results indicate, that although practices related to the culture of thinking approach contribute to the development of students’ thinking skills, this development is slow and the teacher’s motivation in this regard is an important variable.