Think Thank Thunk

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

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

Join Kyle and Dean as they engage in a lively conversation with Peter Liljedahl and Maegan Giroux about the newest addition to the world of Building Thinking Classrooms: Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5. This book is specially crafted for K-5 educators and goes beyond being just a collection of tasks. It encapsulates years of research and classroom experience from the Thinking Classrooms approach, providing a comprehensive guide that combines effective pedagogy with engaging tasks to ignite student thinking.

From the official release of the book to in-depth discussions about curricular and non-curricular tasks, perseverance levels, and the intricacies of crafting tasks that spark curiosity and encourage deep thinking, this episode is packed with insights. You'll hear firsthand how the book came to life, the philosophy that underpins it, and how it's set to make a difference in classrooms around the world. Tune in to hear more about this newly available resource and even more ideas on how to build your Thinking Classroom.

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

In this episode, Kyle and Dean chat with Jerrold Wiebe (@Jerroldwiebe), a Numeracy & Mathematics Consultant and a part of the Building Thinking Classrooms Canadian team.

A "legacy" teacher with over 35 years of experience in education, ranging from classroom teaching to district math lead, Jerrold shares his journey from being introduced to Building Thinking Classrooms and how it has revolutionized his approach to teaching and learning. We discuss the profound impact of Thinking Classrooms, highlighting stories of student transformation, the importance of fostering a culture of lifelong learning among educators, and the strategic shifts that educators can make to enhance student engagement and understanding. Jerrold's reflections on professional development, alongside his vibrant anecdotes, offer invaluable insights into fostering educational environments that challenge and inspire both students and teachers alike.

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

In this episode, Kyle has a conversation with Judy Larson (@JudytaLarsen), Associate Professor at University of Fraser Valley and longtime Building Thinking Classrooms teacher.

Deeply entrenched in math education and an unwavering advocate for innovative teaching, Judy shares her captivating journey alongside Peter Liljedahl. From the initial shock of abandoning traditional teaching to adopting Thinking Classroom practices, Judy recollects her transformative experiences both as a learner and an educator. We explore the roots of Building Thinking Classrooms, including practices like visibly random groups, vertical non-permanent surfaces, and the pivotal role of meaningful notes in shaping students' and teachers' approaches to learning. We also touch on the impact of social media in fostering a vibrant community of educators dedicated to revolutionizing math education. Tune in as we venture into discussions about decolonization, the dynamics of group work, and the perpetual evolution of Thinking Classrooms.

Trauma-Informed Practices and the Power of Thinking Classrooms

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

In this episode, we take you back to a pivotal conversation from 2022 between Kyle, Dean, and the Sophie Bresciani (@soph_bresciani), a champion of trauma-informed teaching and Thinking Classrooms. Sophie offers deep insights into creating classroom environments that are not only safe and supportive but also nurturing, paving the way for holistic student development.

Exploring the unique blend of trauma-informed practices and Thinking Classrooms, we unpack how these strategies not only elevate learning outcomes but also attentively support the emotional and psychological well-being of students. This episode is a treasure trove of strategies for educators aiming to foster a safe and inclusive classroom culture that nurtures confidence and facilitates impressive academic growth among students.

Whether you're an educator keen on integrating trauma-informed practices into your pedagogy or seeking dynamic ways to evolve your Thinking Classroom, this episode has something for you. Tune in to hear about the intersection of these two approaches and their profound impact on both students and teachers alike.

This episode has a portion where Tim & Melisa screenshared the tool mentioned, you can watch the video recording here.

Join hosts Dean and Kyle as they chat with Tim Brzezinski (@TimBrzezinski) and Melisa McCain (@mccainm), advocates for Building Thinking Classrooms and improving assessment practices. Their conversation is focused on a grading tool, crafted by Tim, Melisa, and their colleagues. This tool, deeply rooted in the principles of Building Thinking Classrooms, provides teachers a tool to actualize the assessment practices laid out by Peter Liljedahl around student assessment.

Discover how this innovative rubric, available at http://tinyurl.com/BTCrubric, was designed not just to evaluate, but to enhance students’ understanding and learning experiences. The episode delves into the tool’s development, design, and its transformative impact on both teaching and learning.

This discussion is not just theoretical; it’s a practical guide for educators looking to adopt a more effective and empathetic approach to assessment. Tune in to learn how you can implement this game-changing tool in your classroom and foster deeper understanding in your students.

In this episode, hosts Kyle and Dean have a conversation with Brian Jackson. With over three decades of teaching experience, Brian offers unique insights into the transformative power of the Thinking Classrooms methodology.

Listeners are given a front-row seat to Brian's journey into Thinking Classrooms, starting with his initial reluctance to explore something new, to his deliberate exploration, and finally his resounding endorsement based on his students’ experiences. During the conversation, Brian shares valuable anecdotes and practical examples from his classroom, shedding light on how student choice and tiered challenges can drastically enhance the learning experience. His experiences make a compelling case for the impact of the Thinking Classrooms approach on both students and teachers.

Whether you are a novice in the world of Thinking Classrooms or an experienced advocate, this episode promises rich learning perspectives and welcomes you to join the conversation about reimagining education.

In this episode Jared Sliger (@jared_sliger) is back to chat with Kyle and Dean.

Their discussion revolves around practical tips for engaging parents and involving them in the process of the Thinking Classroom. Jared shares his experience with a successful 'family night' held at his school intended to give parents a first-hand experience with Thinking Classrooms. He stresses the importance of open communication with parents, dispelling fears of 'new math', and encouraging fellow teachers not to shy away from trying something new with their students.

Jared's Family Night Invitation Video: