Development of the Theory of Affective Objectives in Research on Teaching Thinking : Focusing on an Examination of Research on "Thinking Dispositions"

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to consider how to categorize, nurture, and assess affective objectives, through examining the development of research on "thinking dispositions" or "habits of mind" in America. Dispositions are latent tendencies that foretell predicable outcomes under certain conditions. Just as glass is disposed to break when struck, a good thinker is disposed to think critically or creatively under an appropriate condition. Some researchers tried to bridging the gap between one's ability and one's actions and focused on the dispositional aspect of thinking. First, this paper traces the history of research on teaching thinking and illustrates why R.H. Ennis and R.W. Paul noted the dispositional aspect of critical thinking in 1980s. Second, this paper examines "Dimensions of Learning" developed by R.J. Marzano, a famous and useful framework for teaching thinking, and finds out how "habits of mind" is nurtured and assessed in the "Dimensions of Learning" program. Furthermore, this paper introduces a new approach to teaching thinking advocated by D.N. Perkins and S. Tishman. They proposed the triadic analysis of thinking dispositions and pointed out the importance of establishing a classroom culture rich in thinking, an enculturative approach. The enculturative approach helps to avoid a dilemma inherent in the concept of disposition: They cannot be taught as directly as skills because dispositions are not procedural. But it is feared that the enculturative approach might fall into indoctrination and hinder intellectual learning. Thinking dispositions are developed only when authentic academic activities are carried out in the classroom. Thinking dispositions should be viewed as overarching goals, vision or mission of schooling, and as indicators of the quality of educational conditions, indicators for assessment and improvement of curriculum and school system.