Thinking at Every Desk
How Four Simple Rules Will Transform Your Teaching, Classroom, School, and District

by Drs. Derek Cabrera and Laura Colosi,
Senior Faculty at the Research Institute for Thinking in Education

Frustrated that their students were arriving at University with excellent credentials but no ability to think, two professors set out on a mission to change schools and empower teachers to bring thinking skills to every school desk in America. Thinking at Every Desk provides a snapshot of their revolutionary and ongoing work with educators and schools nationwide and abroad. It is a practical guide to the Patterns of Thinking Method—four simple thinking skills that have a ripple effect on everything you do as an educator. Read this book to:
  • Teach your students to think from PreK to PhD
  • Seamlessly blend advanced thinking skills and content in any subject area/grade
  • Prepare every student for the challenges of the 21st Century
  • Align classroom practice with the best of your district's best practices
  • Reconnect with the art and science of teaching

Order your copy of Thinking at Every Desk today.

Read Chapter 1 for free!

What Educators are Saying about this Book

"We trained our whole school in the Patterns of Thinking and have seen students engaged in learning like never before."
- Chris Dickens, Principal, 2009 School Bell Award Winner

"Dr. Cabrera is the Einstein of Education."
- Mary Ann Ryan, Director of Office of Elementary Instruction

"Dr. Cabrera and Dr. Colosi are able to explain complex ideas in ways that are straightforward and fascinating. They are engaging and brilliant."
- Jennifer Orr, Teacher


"The Patterns of Thinking has brought to the surface all that we know as educators but couldn’t put into words. Through the use of this theory and tools my students will have a better chance to access the curriculum that is being provided."
- Lenor A. Cummings, Preschool Special Education Teacher


"The Patterns of Thinking Method transformed my teaching practice. It has impacted everything from planning to implementation to assessment."
- Megan Callahan, Head Start Teacher

"If we teach students to use Patterns of Thinking then they can truly solve any problem or manipulate any idea."
- Lauren Shernoff, Teacher


"Students of all ages are able to make connections through using the Patterns of Thinking Method. It is an essential tool for 21st century learners."
- Lee Ginenthal, District Staff Developer


"The Patterns of Thinking Method has given me a concrete structure for understanding my own thinking and has helped me provide my students with a framework upon which to build new knowledge and thinking skills."
- Shannon Maxson, Teacher Center Director

About the Authors

Derek Cabrera is an internationally recognized expert in thinking skills. As a scientist, researcher, and educator, he is senior faculty of the Research Institute for Thinking in Education He holds a PhD from Cornell University and has served as faculty at Cornell, where he taught the graduate-level course on systems thinking and was a research fellow at the Santa Fe Institute for the study of complex systems.
Laura Colosi is a well-known educator, evaluator, and expert in research methods focused on educational programs. As senior faculty at Cornell University’s Family Life Development Center, she has more than fifteen years of research and teaching experience in developing children who are better thinkers and learners. Her work has been published in Cornell's resources for parents and academic journals. Laura holds a PhD from Cornell University.

Learn more about Drs. Cabrera and Colosi's work with educators across the country.