The official Harvard Project Zero Thinking Routines portal is a rich collection of research-backed educational tools designed to make student thinking visible (Making Thinking Visible).
Thinking routines are simple, multi-step structures of questions or prompts that guide learners through deep analysis, synthesis, and reflection—moving away from rote memorisation toward meaningful engagement.
How Are the Routines Categorised on Project Zero?
On the Harvard Project Zero platform, routines are organised into core categories based on their cognitive goal and classroom application:
Core Thinking Routines
Universal frameworks that work seamlessly across any language lesson, regardless of proficiency level:
- See – Think – Wonder: What do you see? What do you think about it? What does it make you wonder? (Ideal for introducing new topics, analysing imagery, video content, or articles).
- Think – Pair – Share: Think individually – Discuss with a partner – Share with the group (Ensures every student is actively engaged before whole-class discussions).
- 3-2-1 Bridge: 3 thoughts/words, 2 questions, 1 analogy/image before and after engaging with a topic (Great for tracking learning progression and shifts in perspective).
Digging Deeper into Ideas
Routines designed to build argumentation skills and encourage critical inquiry into authentic texts, cultural topics, or professional subjects:
- Claim – Support – Question: Make a claim – Identify support/evidence – Ask a probing question.
- Circle of Viewpoints: Encourages learners to examine a single issue from multiple diverse perspectives (Perfect for debates, ESP scenarios, and developing empathy).
Synthesising & Exploring Ideas
Tools that streamline lesson wrap-ups, article summaries, or project reflections:
- Headlines: If you were to write a newspaper headline summarising today’s topic, what would it be?
- The 4 Cs (Connections, Challenges, Concepts, Changes): A structured framework for analysing texts through personal connections, challenges encountered, key concepts, and shifts in thinking.
Why Use Them in ELT / ESP Classrooms?
- Authentic Language Purpose: Routines offer learners language scaffolding, making it easier to formulate complex thoughts in English without the fear of making mistakes.
- Shift from Form to Meaning: Students move beyond focusing solely on grammatical mechanics to using the language as a genuine tool for expressing ideas.
- Building a Culture of Inquiry: Regular implementation fosters habits of mind such as asking deep questions, analysing sources critically, and listening to peers attentively.
Explore the full directory of routines: pz.harvard.edu/thinking-routines
