ThinkBlocks

ThinkBlocks are a tactile manipulative educational tool invented by American educational theorist Derek Cabrera. Cabrera invented the blocks as a way to teach his graduate and doctoral students systems thinking at Cornell University.[1][2] ThinkBlocks are designed to model concepts and build thinking skills based on the DSRP theory and method of thinking.[3] This theory posits that four patterns, Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives, underlie all cognition, that they are universal to the process of structuring information, and that people can improve their thinking skills by learning to use the four elements explicitly. Students assign concepts to blocks by writing on them with dry-erase markers, and then associate them with other concepts by using the multi-nesting (multiple blocks inside of blocks), barbell (relational nodes), and looking glass (translucent) properties of the blocks. They were originally white, magnetic dodecahedra in three nested sizes, with one reflective side. In 2012, a new translucent cube-shaped version of the block was introduced.

ThinkBlocks were a National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Winner in Fall 2008.[4]

  1. ^ Susan S. Lang (2007-10-17). "Lang, Susan (2007) Thinking Outside the Block. Cornell Chronicle". News.cornell.edu. Retrieved 2013-11-03.
  2. ^ Distributed Knowledge: ThinkBlocks Like an Ergonomic Chair. E-Clips Cornell University. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4qkHbraPOc
  3. ^ Cabrera, D. and Colosi, L. (2009) Thinking at Every Desk: How Four Simple Thinking Skills Will Transform Your Teaching, Classroom, School, and District. Ithaca, NY: The Research Institute for Thinking in Education. ISBN 978-0979430831
  4. ^ "National Parenting Center (2008) ThinkBlocks". Tnpc.com. Retrieved 2013-11-03.