Thinking Environment

The Thinking Environment is a philosophy of communication, based on the work of Nancy Kline.[1] It is a practical series of values-based applications which are useful in family, campaigning, community and organisational[2] life, as well as forming the basis of a teaching pedagogy[3][4] and coaching approach. [5]

A Thinking Environment occurs when the Ten Components, or principles, are held in place by a facilitator. The components are attention, appreciation, ease, encouragement, diversity, information, feelings, equality, place and Incisive Questions. A hallmark of the Thinking Environment is that you are either in one, or not. Both are fine, but for a Thinking Environment to take place, the simple rules (no interrruption, showing the Thinker generative attention) must be observed.

With the components in place, the facilitator then chooses an Application of the Thinking Environment, with the agreement of participants. These include coaching (known as the Thinking Partnership), Thinking Rounds, Thinking Pairs, Transforming Meetings, Mentoring, Time to Think Council, Dialogue, Timed Talk and others.

Although it can be effective in one-off situations (eg coaching), it is claimed that the Thinking Environment works best as a longitudinal approach. Over time, a Thinking Environment culture develops within a group, which enables good thinking and mutual respect. Originally based on the observations of founder Nancy Kline, over decades neuroscience[6] has begun to support this empirical base.

References

  1. Kline, Nancy (2009). More Time to Think. Burley in Wharfedale: Fisher King. p. 304. ISBN 1906377103.
  2. Cutts, Nigel (2010). Love at Work. Burley in Wharfedale: Fisher King. p. 304. ISBN 190637712X.
  3. Ashmore, Lyn; Robinson, Denise (2014). Learning, Teaching and Development. London: Sage Publications Ltd. p. 288. ISBN 1446282120.
  4. Daley, Maire; Orr, Kevin; Petrie, Joel (2015). Further Education and the Twelve Dancing Princesses. London: Trentham Books. p. 204. ISBN 1858566401.
  5. Aspey, Linda (2011). "Time for a Rethink". Developing Leaders. 5.
  6. Brown, Paul; Brown, Virginia (2012). Neuropsychology for Coaches. Milton Keynes: Open University Press. p. 160. ISBN 0335245471.
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