The DSRP (distinctions, systems, relationships and perspectives) method of thinking

Dr. Derek Cabrera gave a very interesting TEDx talk in 2011 entitled, "How thinking works." In this talk, he defines thinking as being "knowledge able." He goes on to describe how current rote learning, memorization and regurgitation of facts prevents students from learning to think. He then outlines a model: DSRP. His model is also described in Wikipedia.

DSRP consists of four interrelated thinking skills, each with two opposing elements: 

• Making Distinctions between ideas, objects and things and more nuanced over time. (identity and an other). When you make a distinction, you are bring part of yourself in, resulting in deeper understanding and clarity. 
  • ​What is ...? What is not ...?
• Organizing Systems look at parts and wholes. Thinkers tend towards splitters, lumpers and now slumpers.
  • Does ... have parts? Can you think of ... as a part?
• Recognizing Relationships between and among ideas = integrated/interconnected thinking (action and reaction).
  • ​Is ... related to ...?  Can you think of ... as a relationship?
• Taking multiple Perspectives = things look different = more empathy (point and view).
  • ​From the perspective of ..., [insert question]? Can you think about ... from a different perspective?
  
  

He also outlines six types of thinking (Source: Wikipedia)

• Critical thinking improves as people learn to examine the reasoning behind the distinctions they draw and the perspectives and relationships that influence how information is presented
• Creative thinking improves as people make connections (i.e. relationships) between new pieces of information.
• Systems thinking improves as one becomes increasingly fluent with all four elements of DSRP.
• Interdisciplinary thinking improves as people reconsider boundaries (i.e. distinctions) and make connections between new pieces of information.
• Scientific thinking improves as people learn to analyze information in a logical way.
• Emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior improves as people learn to take multiple perspectives—particularly to imagine the perspectives of other people.

* I especially like and agree with his dislike of new "kits" of lego with instructions as opposed to the old box of random pieces that demand creativity.