New study shows teaching ‘thinking skills’ boosts children’s social skills in an increasingly digital world

At a time when parents worldwide are increasingly concerned about the impact of screen time and technology on children's social development, confidence, and independence, new research from Nord Anglia Education suggests schools can play a powerful role in strengthening essential human skills. 

The two-year study involving more than 12,000 students across Nord Anglia's schools worldwide found that teaching children how to reflect on their own thinking and learning — a method grounded in ‘thinking routines’ developed by researchers at Project Zero, a research centre at the Harvard Graduate School of Education — not only improved their critical thinking, curiosity, and collaboration, but also delivered significant gains in social and emotional development. 

The research found that: 

• 70% of students reported stronger social skills
• 76% reported greater independence
• 85% reported increased self-awareness of their strengths

Dr Kate Erricker, Group Head of Education Research and Global Partnerships at Nord Anglia Education, said: 

“Teaching students to reflect on their learning does two things at once. It builds important social and emotional capabilities, and it equips young people with the skills, such as independent thinking, judgement, communication and empathy, that will matter most as AI, and screen use, become even more embedded in everyday life.

“At a time when many parents worry that children are spending too much time interacting with screens, our research also shows that when students become more aware of how they think and learn, they also become better at understanding other people. They contribute ideas more freely, collaborate more effectively, and will build stronger relationships. These are deeply human skills. They can’t be automated, and our research shows that they can be taught.”

Teaching students to think more deeply 

Nord Anglia’s study, which included its schools in 20 countries examined the impact of explicitly teaching students to reflect on how they learn, solve problems, and approach challenges.

These simple classroom strategies encourage students to slow down, examine their assumptions, consider alternative viewpoints, and articulate their reasoning. One commonly used routine asks students: 

“What do I notice? What do I think? What does this make me wonder?” 

As a result, students also reported measurable improvements in key thinking skills, including: 

• Critical thinking (+21%)
• Curiosity (+20%)
• Collaboration (+15%)

Preparing students for success in the future 

The findings suggest that helping students understand how they learn may be one of the most effective ways schools can develop the human capabilities needed in a rapidly changing world.

One Nord Anglia student said: “Besides learning subjects, you also learn about your thoughts, improve your social skills with other people, and develop important life skills that help you in the future.” 

Another said: “I get to reflect on my progress, set personal goals, and find better ways to overcome challenges. I feel more confident, independent, and responsible for my learning.” 

As technology continues to reshape daily life and the workplace, organisations including the World Economic Forum have identified skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity among the capabilities expected to grow in importance over the coming decade.

Discover more about how Nord Anglia students are developing the human skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world by focusing on the skills AI can't match.