Cultivating Cultures of Thinking in Australian Schools

This book is a call to action for educators who seek to move beyond superficial learning and engage students in deeper, more meaningful thinking. At a time when education is dominated by standardisation and a crowded curriculum, this book champions a different path, prioritising student agency, curiosity, and thinking.

Grounded in the influential Cultures of Thinking™ approach developed by Dr. Ron Ritchhart from Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, this book showcases real-life case studies from Australian classrooms where these principles have been successfully applied. It explores how teachers can develop students’ thinking dispositions, make thinking visible, and shape classroom cultures that foster engagement and intellectual growth. Editors Cameron Paterson and Simon Brooks, who have worked extensively with the Cultures of Thinking approach, bring together voices from across Australia, offering a rich tapestry of insights, strategies, and experiences. Through practical examples and compelling analysis, Cultivating Cultures of Thinking in Australian Schools provides educators with a concrete blueprint for transformative teaching.

This book is an essential read for teachers, school leaders, and education professionals who want to create vibrant learning environments that prepare students for the complexities of the modern world. It is a powerful resource for those seeking to move beyond traditional assessment-driven teaching and cultivate a culture where thinking and learning flourish.

Cameron Paterson is the Director of Learning at Wesley College, Melbourne. He also works for Harvard’s Project Zero. His accomplishments have been recognized with awards for teaching, leadership, and innovation. Cameron is the co-editor of Flip the System Australia.

Simon Brooks is an educational consultant working with schools around the world interested in transforming learning and teaching by promoting thinking, understanding, and engagement for all learners. He has held senior educational roles in the UK, Australia, and Malaysia, most recently as Principal of the Australian International School Malaysia.