Each of the five thinking operations is important in a balanced curriculum. Students need learning activities in each of the five operations. Parents need to know that their child is learning skills within each of the five thinking operations. Teachers need to plan learning activities that teach the thinking skills within each component. Administrators need to provide leadership that insures that learning experiences in all five thinking operations are an important part of the curriculum in their schools.
Cognition involves inquiry. This thinking operation includes gathering information—through observation, listening, experiencing, researching—discovery awareness, comprehension, understanding, and knowing.
Memory involves storage of information. Memory also plays an important role in making connections between new and previously learned information
Evaluation includes comparing and judging information and making decisions and judgements based on satisfying criteria.
Convergent Thinking is the focused production of information. Convergent Thinking refers to logical and deductive thinking and is a kind of productive thinking in which there is one correct answer. This thinking operation also includes organizing and sequencing information.
Divergent Thinking refers to creative thinking that involves a broad and varied production. Divergent Thinking includes the production of options, fluency, flexibility, originality, and risk-taking.
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