7 Power Thinking Tools: Synthesis
Synthesis is defined in research as "the evolution of understanding." The result of this evolution or change is an end result that is new or different. To explain the concept of evolving change, I have use the example of a growing seed.
To help students understand this highly complex cognitive process, I bring in a small bag of seeds. Together we explore the idea of change and growth as we discuss how the seed will blossom and eventually turn into something new or different. We continue to talk about what "ingredients" are necessary for that change to occur.
I am able to then explain this same process happens in our brain. All thinking starts with an idea or "seed." As we add "nutrients" or new information, our thinking grows as well. Over time, we combine our idea "seeds" with new information (ingredients); we will evolve as learners as well.
At some point, the seed in a flower "blooms." This is the moment where we say "Ah!" That's what it is supposed to be. Wow! At points in our thinking, we reach that same "Ah-ha" moment where we say "Wow!" That's it! I Get it?
That is synthesis -- the moment where understanding opens up and becomes clear. When our thinking "blooms," we have synthesized!
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Photo on Flickr by Loupiote
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education
Angela, I'm the Lori at Denison. WOW! I have been hungry for this information. I wish I could do this for my students.
Posted by: Lori Berning | January 30, 2008 at 08:54 AM
This is such a good comparison. I love aha moments. I guess I never looked at students quite like that, but it's so true
Posted by: Judy | January 30, 2008 at 08:59 AM
To add to the great information you provide, Angela, synthesis comes when doing research when you read several articles on a topic, and discuss it through a theme as you compare and contrast the views of several authorities on the topic. This is very hard for some people to do even at the college level. In one sense synthesis forces you to go beyond what others have done and think for yourself.
In Blooms Taxonomy synthesis would be placed at one of the highest levels of cognition along with creativity.
Nice contribution here, Angela!
Posted by: Robyn | January 30, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Lori and Judy, I am so glad the lesson helped. It is great way to help students understand something complex. It is an exciting conversation!
Posted by: Angela Maiers | January 30, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Robyn, you are continually helping me"synthesize" ways to help students and teachers understand the complexity of the mind. We are so blessed to have a resource like you. Thanks for adding to our knowledge base!
Posted by: Angela Maiers | January 30, 2008 at 06:59 PM
I have another concern; I believe synthesis can be done by all thinkers. How do we convince even those teachers who work with the "wee" ones that they are capable of thinking deeper?
Posted by: Deb Olson | January 31, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Deb, great point. I absolutely agree with you. Our youngest minds can and do think at the highest intellectual levels. My motto for change: SHOW don't tell. It is hard to ague when you see this thinking in action!
Posted by: Angela Maiers | February 01, 2008 at 08:57 AM
photo is copyrighted with all rights reserved, and is used without my permission.
this is called copyright infringement.
please respect photographers intellectual property rights and ask for permission before copying their photos and using them on your own pages.
Posted by: Tristan Savatier (aka loupiote of Flickr) | July 28, 2008 at 03:40 AM
Tristan-
Thanks for the heads up; must have moved to fast on this one! I did give credit based on Flickr's Terms of Service. Will take care of this ASAP!
Posted by: Angela Maiers | July 28, 2008 at 09:12 AM