Thinking Critically

Critical thinking is woven throughout the ́Étude experience through what we call Habits of Mind. Observing; Wondering; Connecting; Reasoning; Interpreting; Innovating: these are the realms of thought that we guide students to discover and enjoy, every day. Thinking associatively, metaphorically, fearlessly. For navigation, they rely on Thinking Routines — mini- strategies that teach and organize the process of thinking as the key to deeper engagement with any given subject, academic and otherwise.

Following the lead of Harvard University’s Project Zero, The Étude Group has designed a school environment that honors and promotes thinking, that feeds the intellect, that turns every classroom into a culture of thinking. In such a setting, learning is participatory and open-ended; ideas are to be explored together, individual thinking is made visible to all, success is for sharing, not self-celebration. Students take a new view of the classroom, as a place to grow the mind rather than log dull hours. Measured against standard testing benchmarks, levels of comprehension, retention, and interest are consistently impressive.

At the end of each trimester, every student’s calendar includes a Presentation of Learning, when the student and their teachers and parents or guardians gather to review progress. Identifying successes, recognizing areas for improvement, and setting the next benchmarks. Unlike the typical parent-teacher conference, at The Étude Group, it is the student who conducts the occasion, demonstrating and discussing their recent, self-directed studies. It is a moment of truth in an atmosphere of trust. For students, it strengthens self-awareness, confidence, and accountability. For all parties, it represents a memorable opportunity for learning and measuring.

Our culture of mutual respect and shared goals fosters trust, self-confidence, and cooperative participation. Students and teachers combine to define goals and guidelines. Our curriculum balances individual studies with meetings and group activities to build a true sense of community.

Étude’s system of self-directed learning invests students in projects that align academic content with experiential, collaborative learning. Our continuing emphasis on research, peer discussion, and presentation skills creates a competitive advantage when they confront real-life issues.