References from NZ Schools

Darrel Goosen, DP Cockle Bay School – Decile 10, Howick, Auckland

“At Cockle Bay School we are always seeking top quality learning programmes to enhance our classroom curriculum. In Mind Lab we have discovered one of the best researched, well structured and professionally presented programmes currently available in New Zealand.

The Mind Lab methodology allows us to develop our students’ Emotional Skills, Cognitive Skills and most importantly Social Skills. These skills are essential if our students are to become lifelong learners. We are proud to be associated with Mind Lab NZ”.

Paul Murphy, Principal Kedgley Intermediate School – Decile 2, Papatoetoe, South Auckland

“While 'thinking' is identified as one of the Key Competencies and the NZC on p38 talks about 'opportunities for doing this can be integrated into existing programmes of work' at Kedgley we are also interested in looking at stand -alone specialised programmes that are clearly constructed/targeted at the competencies.

The school has invested heavily in ICT, but is aware that the research abroad (particularly UK) show no improvement in student achievement. High engagement - yes. But the jury is still out on achievement.

During 2008 Kedgley is trialling Mind Lab with one Yr 8 class. The students in this class are starting to apply the 'thinking skills' acquired in their Mind Lab lessons to other situations within the wider context of everyday school life.

The school is now looking at how it will deliver the Mind Lab curriculum across the whole student body”.

Aaron Kemp, Principal Vauxhall School – Decile 10, Devonport, North Shore

“Offering the Mind Lab Thinking course as a part of our curriculum has been viewed by our school as a great addition to the Thinking curriculum already offered at Vauxhall.

The Mind Lab thinking strategies are closely aligned with our already established thinking programme and allow our students to draw on a wide range of tools to reflect, to ask questions and to challenge the basis of perceptions.

The games are fun, the children are engaged in the learning process and the teachers are energetic and committed to the pedagogy of thinking”.

Bruce Julian, Principal Target Rd School – Decile 6, Glenfield, North Shore

“Ifirst heard about Mind Lab from some literature I came across in my professional reading. Almost simultaneously a member of my staff attended a presentation session for teachers on the North Shore. She came back full of enthusiasm for the concept and the potential to enhance learning.

We see the Mind Lab programme as a credible learning support and enhancement opportunity. Children are immediately attracted to the vehicle of challenge through games which can fully engage them in the thinking and developing of problem solving skills.

Children also learn to problem solve and compete in a collaborative and cooperative way. The group dynamic which operates in the sessions is a powerful learning strategy as children are able to learn very successfully from each other”.

Kevin Hornby, Principal Puhinui School – Decile 3, Papatoetoe, South Auckland

“Puhinui School has been looking forward to extending our thinking skills programmes to reflect the key competencies in the New Zealand curriculum.

We wanted learning experiences that would challenge our students in an authentic context in order to learn and discuss the skills and strategies for self management , social interaction and debate and critical thinking.

We were aware that Mind Lab was being trialled at Kedgley Intermediate and after talking to the Principal Mr Paul Murphy we decided to trial the programme with a group of year 5 students with the view to extending it in 2009.

So far we have been impressed with;

- the enthusiasm and engagement of the students participating

- the quality of discussions and debate ensuing from the designed activities,

- and the quality and preparedness of the presenter.

Teachers have been released on a rotational basis to observe our students in operation so we can make an informed decision as to where to next”.

Christine Smith, Principal Stella Maris Catholic School – Decile 10, Silverdale, Rodney

Mind Lab has been an extremely positive experience for students at Stella Maris.

The enthusiasm of students each week they enter their Mind Lab session, is testimony to the high level of student engagement in the programme. Skills taught in Mind Lab are comprehensive and this is one of its great appeals. It teaches thinking, social and co operative skills all within the context of a natural child centred environment, that is, playing a game.

At Stella Maris, we have a curriculum based on inquiry based learning, so challenge, reflection and provocation are part of our everyday approach to learning because of this, Mind Lab sits naturally alongside our ‘Thinking Curriculum’ and is now, an essential and invaluable part of our school’s teaching and learning toolbox.

Sue Goodin, DP Redwood School – Decile 10, Tawa, Wellington

We originally introduced Mind Lab as part of our gifted programme, but have expanded our involvement to include a wide range of our students.

The Mind Lab programme offers our students an opportunity to utilise thinking skills and to engage in problem-solving activities that expand their perception of themselves as successful learners.

The feedback from both students and parents has been very positive.