Let's Think
No impact
for Secondary science
Evaluated in the UK
Intervention description
Let’s Think is a series of programmes which aim to improve pupils’ metacognitive and thinking skills. The class is given ‘concrete preparation’ in the form of a problem, and pupils come up with their own ideas to solve the problem. Pupils work in mixed-ability groups of around four. The role of the teacher is to monitor pupils’ discussions and progress, while managing the class and making sure everyone has a chance to participate. After the lesson, pupils analyse the way in which they tackled the problem and worked together. Let’s Think can be used from Foundation Stage up to Key Stage 4: the programmes are cross-curricular up to Year 1 then subject-specific from Year 2 onwards, covering subjects such as maths, English, science, drama, music and art.
Staffing requirements
The lessons are intended to supplement ordinary teaching and are typically taught around once a fortnight.
Professional development/training
Training is available through tutors who receive accreditation through King's College London
Evidence Summary
The Education Endowment Foundation ran a project in 2015/2016 investigating the effectiveness of Let's Think Secondary Science, which did not show it to be effective.
The evaluation found a mean effect size of -0.02 for secondary science.
No impact
for Secondary science
Key research
The Education Endowment Foundation study found no evidence that Let’s Think Secondary Science improved the science attainment of pupils by the end of the programme.
Key stages
Practices
Cost
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