We wanted to continue learning, practicing, and training in the methods we had learned through several years of collaboration. We aimed to use the thought matrix to assess students' thought development. After working with various methods/strategies for years to enhance students' thinking and with the matrix now developed to assess the progression/development of thinking, we wanted to investigate if it is possible to, based on structured and planned teaching that builds on this approach, observe an improvement in students' ability to think within the five different modes of thinking based on Gardner's research. The thought matrix would be used continuously, both in group settings and with individual students. In the revised plan for primary education, which came into effect on July 1, 2022, it is stated in the introductory chapter that the school should work on developing students' thinking. We used the thought matrix and documented group progress in all grade levels from preschool to grade 6.
Ramsta School is a Swedish primary school that has been using Socratic dialogues in its teaching since 2008. They sought international partnerships to enhance students' thinking and collaborated with Lope de Vega International School in Spain. Ramsta School covers grades from preschool to grade 6 and has an after-school program for ages 6 to 10. They focus on student-led development talks, thematic work, class councils, and nature/environmental education. The school aimed to assess students' thinking development using a "thinking matrix" and see if structured instruction based on this approach could improve students' thinking abilities. They partnered with Lope de Vega for exchanges, teacher training, and job shadowing. Students interacted online, shared projects, and learned various thinking strategies including Socratic dialogues, Nelson, philosophy for children, and TBL. The school aligns with the revised curriculum's emphasis on developing students' thinking skills.