Creating A Thinking Environment

"Beneath the fear of being punished for thinking for themselves, most people have ideas that matter, ideas that would make a differnece if they could be developed fully. People, regardless of their position or status, can think of things that move discussions to whole new levels of sparkle and resolution. Individuals you would never suspect of being interesting have abosorbing stories to tell and disturbing insights that would humble even the most long-winded of us right out of our self-importance and rush. If the conditions are right, the huge intelligence of the human being surfaces. Ideas seem to come from nowhere and sometimes stun us."
From 'Time to Think' by Nancy Kline
Developing a Thinking Environment for Schools - a simple guide

Another method recommended as part of a Thinking Environment are Speaking Circles.