In this episode, Kyle welcomes Jason To, Math Coordinator for the Toronto District School Board. Together, they address the ongoing debate between inquiry-based learning and explicit instruction. Jason shares his journey into the world of cognitive science, exploring how concepts like cognitive load theory and collective working memory may actually help explain why the Building Thinking Classrooms framework is effective. They also discuss common misunderstandings from both "sides" of the debate, the practical plateaus teachers often face, and the critical need for teacher content knowledge. Tune in for a conversation that moves beyond pedagogical labels and focuses on what's truly important: making sure students are not only engaged, but are also learning.

Links:

Jason's Blog Post: Why Building Thinking Classrooms Works: Using Evidence from Cognitive Science Research to Explain the Effectiveness of the BTC Framework

Ontario's High-Impact Instructional Practices in Mathematics

In this episode, Kyle and Dean welcome Chase Orton, author of The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher. Together, they dive into the core themes from Chase's book, exploring the power of vulnerability and what it means to be an "imperfect and unfinished" teacher. They discuss the importance of interrogating our own math story and breaking free from the traditional "script" that so many teachers inherit from their time as students. They also tackle the common belief that the purpose of math is just to prepare for next year's math class and how this leads to an unhealthy blame game between grade levels. Tune in for a deep conversation about pedagogy, teacher identity, and why the most valuable professional development might just be in the classroom next door.

Links:

https://chaseorton.com/

Audio Companion to the Book, The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher

In this episode, Maegan, Dean, and Kyle get real about their day-to-day journeys with Building Thinking Classrooms. Together, they pull back the curtain to share the "messy reality": the highs, the lows, and the everyday challenges that don't always make the highlight reel. They discuss the universal struggle of getting students to stand, managing complex classroom dynamics with learners from kindergarten to high school, and navigating logistical hurdles like 30-minute class periods. They also celebrate the profound wins that keep them going: the power of math journals, the joy of seeing unexpected students thrive, and the beautiful moments when a classroom truly becomes a community. Tune in for an honest and relatable conversation about why the journey is worth the effort, even when it’s not perfect.

In this episode, Kyle, Maegan, and Dean welcome Vanessa Vakharia, aka The Math Guru and author of Math Therapy. Together, they unpack the deep-seated issue of math trauma and how the Building Thinking Classrooms approach helps us deal with it. The group explores how to create a classroom culture built on empathy and safety by prioritizing questions over answers, while also discussing the importance of progress over perfection, journaling, and helping students develop a stronger math identity. Tune in for a powerful discussion on how to help students build a better relationship with math—one conversation at a time.

After a longer-than-planned break, Kyle, Maegan, and Dean are back! In this candid episode, the trio addresses their podcast hiatus and shares their excitement to reconnect with the community. Dean and Maegan dive into powerful stories from their first day back in the classroom, while Kyle reflects on his role in professional development and his passion for getting back into classrooms to learn from other teachers. They discuss how they get students into a state of flow, the importance of small wins, and their goals for the year, including improving assessment and fostering numerical flexibility. Tune in to hear about their on-the-ground experiences and get a preview of what’s to come this season.

Links:

• The Thinking Desk: https://thethinkingdesk.com/
• BTC K-5 Task Book: Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5 by Peter Liljedahl and Maegan Giroux
• BTC 6-12 Task Book (Coming Oct 2025): Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12 by Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb

In this episode, Kyle and Maegan welcome Tammy McMorrow (@TammyMcMorrow / @tammymcmorrow.bsky.social) to discuss her experiences with Building Thinking Classrooms. Tammy shares her journey from discovering the transformative BTC approach in 2021 to implementing it with her first-grade students in Idaho. She talks about the impact of creating a Thinking Classroom including the surprising gains her students have made as mathematicians. The conversation addresses the challenges of managing young learners, adapting BTC practices for primary grades, and the importance of embracing the messy and magical aspects of teaching. Tammy also shares her insights on the thin-slicing technique, the importance of trust in students, and how BTC has changed her approach to student engagement. Listeners will also hear about Tammy's podcast, Little Minds Big Thinkers, where she shares stories from her classroom and interviews with fellow educators.

In this episode, Kyle, Maegan, and Dean welcome back Dr. Peter Liljedahl to discuss his ongoing work and insights in Building Thinking Classrooms. Together, they delve into a range of topics like the recent BTC conference, various strategies for using banners and partitioning student workspaces, and the evolving nature of the Thinking Classrooms practices. Tune in to also hear about the importance of student self-efficacy, identity in math, and the effects of math trauma. Peter highlights ongoing research, shares effective teacher practices, and offers valuable recommendations for further reading and professional development.

This episode was recorded in early October, 2024.

After a bit of a break from the podcast, we're back with a new episode (and more to come)! In this episode, Dean, Maegan, and Kyle reintroduce themselves and share updates on their current roles and endeavors. They delve into their experiences with the Thinking Classroom model across various grade levels, discussing both the successes and challenges they've encountered. Maegan highlights her work with younger students and her focus on enriching mathematical experience, while Dean shares his high school teaching journey, emphasizing innovative assessment strategies. Kyle reflects on his new role focused on facilitating BTC professional development and the importance of staying connected to classroom realities. They also share highlights and takeaways from their recent participation in the Building Thinking Classrooms conference in Phoenix, which brought together passionate educators and offered valuable insights.

Links Mentioned:

In this episode, Kyle and Dean have a conversation with three of Dean's students about their experiences in his Thinking Classroom. Recorded just before the end of the last school year, the students share how this approach to learning math has transformed their perspectives and engagement. They discuss the social and collaborative benefits of Thinking Classrooms, how it has helped them overcome challenges, and the inclusive environment it fosters. Listen in to hear firsthand accounts of how the Thinking Classroom practices make significant impacts on our students' educational journeys.

Enter to win a free set of Wipebook Flipcharts for your Thinking Classroom: ⁠www.wipebook.com/TTT⁠

In this episode, Maegan and Kyle are delighted to welcome Alicia Burdess (@BurdessAlicia), a coach and numeracy lead from Grand Prairie Catholic School District. Alicia shares her inspiring journey from aspiring sports doctor to a passionate math educator and leader. She discusses her deep love of Building Thinking Classrooms and how it transformed her teaching approach. Alicia passionately talks about the power of 'big, beautiful problems' in mathematics education and how they can engage students of all ages. She also shares insights from her experience running math camps and the joy of connecting math concepts with children's literature. Alicia also gives us a glimpse into her self-published children's book, 'The Dragon Curve,' and its magical approach to teaching fractals. Tune in for an episode filled with enthusiasm, innovative teaching strategies, and a celebration of joyful learning in math.

Alicia's Problems Worth Solving in a Thinking Classroom.

Books mentioned by Alicia in the episode:

Enter to win a free set of Wipebook Flipcharts for your Thinking Classroom: ⁠www.wipebook.com/TTT⁠