Higher Order Thinking Skills (Code: C1858)

Leadership
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This course explores the development and application of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in educational settings through modules on planning and cognitive growth. Participants will explore factors that foster critical, creative, and independent thinking, applying motivational and metacognitive strategies alongside diverse teaching approaches. Learners will design environments that challenge and empower students to explore, question, and innovate, supported by practical tools and AI-enhanced methods for deeper learning.

 

 

Pricing options

Open Delivery: £152 pp

Please note: bookings will close 7 days prior to the commencement of the course.

Upcoming

Book
Online - Higher Order Thinking Skills - Cohort 1
Date: 19/06/2026
Price: from £152.00
Session 1
Date: 19/06/2026 12:00 - 13:30
Session 2
Date: 26/06/2026 12:00 - 13:30
IN HOUSE
Enquire about running this course at your location
Run in-house
No suitable dates or locations? Please register your interest and we will let you know about new events as they are announced.

SET Membership

 

SET members are entitled to an exclusive 10% discount off this ETF professional development course.

Find out more about SET membership on the Society for Education and Training (SET) website.

Who is this for?

This course is designed for educators, trainers, and learning professionals who want to deepen their understanding of higher order thinking skills and apply practical strategies to foster critical, creative, and independent thinking in their learners.  

Training aim

This course explores approaches to fostering higher-order thinking, highlighting their relevance through:

1. Planning for Higher Order Thinkers

This session introduces key theories of cognitive development and how classroom culture shapes critical and creative thinking. You will connect these theories to practice and build intrinsic motivation through choice, curiosity, real-world problems, and safe risk-taking. You’ll also examine questioning, project-based learning, and tasks involving analysis, synthesis, and evaluation to deepen understanding and inspire creativity.

2. Cognitive Growth Strategies

This session explores physical, digital, and psychological spaces that foster autonomy, enquiry, and collaboration. You will examine strategies that help learners reflect on thinking, apply metacognition, and use routines to deepen understanding and transfer knowledge. Approaches that encourage questioning, testing ideas, and developing creative solutions will also be explored.

Outcomes

 By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to:

  • identify a range of factors that foster the development of higher order thinking skills  
  • explore how to motivate and engage learners to become higher order thinkers     
  • discuss a range of teaching strategies to challenge learners to think critically, explore creatively, and apply their understanding.
  • investigate learning environments that challenge individuals to think critically, creatively, and independently.  
  • analyse metacognitive thinking and deeper learning.  
  • investigate a range of effective strategies to empower learners to explore, question, and innovate.  

Length

Open: 

2 x 90 minute modules delivered live online

In-House: 

2 x 90 minute modules delivered live online or

2 x 120 minute modules delivered face-to-face

Contact us

If this course is not currently available at a suitable date/location, please register your interest and we will let you know about new events as they are announced.

If you have any questions, please contact:

T: 0800 0 831 830
E: enquiries@etfoundation.co.uk