Think Thank Thunk

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: ⁠Podcast Survey - have your say!⁠ ⁠Visual Patterns⁠ ⁠Kaktovik Number System⁠ (⁠@BurdessAlicia⁠) Building Thinking Classrooms 2024 (SAPDC) (BTC Intro Course lead by Kyle) Assessment & What's New in Thinking Classrooms (SAPDC) (BTC Assessment Course lead by Kyle) ⁠Building Thinking Classrooms 2025 Annual Conference⁠

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: Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf: A Counting Story : Cali, Davide, Balducci, Marianna A Bike Like Sergio's: Boelts, Maribeth, Jones, Noah Z 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: https://youtu.be/gGpSaTOgqb8?si=1DqoBNKU--P6Z0xY Jared's Consulting Commercial: https://youtu.be/TypVFW4ymCc?si=IFPE5I8sIEesLJS3

In this episode, join Kyle, Dean, and Maegan as they share the latest insights gleaned from Peter Liljedahl on the new ideas taking hold in Thinking Classrooms. They take a deep dive into the art of crafting a Thinking Classroom lesson, dissecting the distinct phases of launch, body, and close. Explore how the nature of your task, be it divergent or convergent, shapes the optimal approach to concluding your lesson. Discover three new methods for wrapping up sessions: delve into the power of notice and name consolidation, embrace the collaborative notes strategy, and spice up your check for understanding with the mild-medium-spicy approach. Tune in for practical tips on seamlessly incorporating these freshly-developed closing techniques into your own Thinking Classroom. Elevate your teaching game with this enriching episode! To see images of each of these closing methods, visit: https://thinkthankthunk.kylewebb.ca/ep-10/ At the end, Dean mentions Tim Brzesinski's (⁠@TimBrzezinski⁠) BTC rubric which you can find here: ⁠http://tinyurl.com/BTCrubric

In this episode of the podcast, Kyle and Dean are joined by Lana Steiner (@LanaSteiner4), a math teacher, coach, and administrator from Saskatchewan. Lana shares her insights on how she employs rich tasks and mixes in other teaching methods with Thinking Classrooms to make math more meaningful for students. She also talks about the importance of growth mindset and math mindset in learning math, and how to address learning gaps. Lana shares expertise on documenting observations and conversations, and how she uses student-led conferences and connections to familiar literacy terms to make sense of math learning for parents. They also chat about setting up students for success beyond math class, and the incredible community of math teachers in Saskatchewan. Resources mentioned in this episode: Table of Rich Tasks: http://bit.ly/SKmathtasks Baby Beats - 3 Act Math Task (tapintoteenminds.com) The Detention Buy-Out - 3 Act Math Task (tapintoteenminds.com) MathUP Tap into Teen Minds - Real World Maths Lessons, 3 Act Math Tasks and Resources Berkeley Everett – Visualize the math you teach. Steve Wyborney's Blog: I'm on a Learning Mission. Saskatchewan Mathematics Teachers' Society - (smts.ca)

Join Kyle, Dean, and Maegan as they candidly discuss the early days of the school year in Building Thinking Classrooms. They share their experiences and provide insights for educators at any stage of their journey into this innovative teaching approach. In this episode, our hosts also reveal their aspirations for the upcoming year, largely focused on meaningful notes and improving assessment practices. Their enthusiasm for transformative math education is sure to ignite your own passion for bringing Building Thinking Classrooms principles into your teaching practice. Plus, they offer practical advice for fostering a growth mindset in math, building a supportive classroom culture, and engaging all students in math class. Tune in and get ready to revamp your math classroom for a year of growth and inspiration!

Join Kyle as he sits down with Maegan for an enlightening discussion on mathematics education through the lens of decolonization. In this episode, Maegan unveils her 4R's of Decolonizing Mathematics Education: Respect, Responsibility, Relevance, and Reciprocity. Dive into an exploration of a powerful framework designed for personal reflection, aimed at dismantling colonial constructs within math classrooms. While drawing direct inspiration from the principles of Thinking Classrooms, Maegan takes it a step further by introducing ideas that challenges teachers to transcend the boundaries of traditional pedagogies. Discover how this innovative framework not only complements the 14 practices of a Thinking Classroom but propels educators to embark on a journey of reshaping their teaching methods. Maegan blends theory with practice by offering invaluable tips and ideas that empower teachers to embrace a new perspective and embark on the path of decolonizing their educational spaces. If you're an educator, a student, or anyone passionate about fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments, this episode will undoubtedly spark your curiosity and drive to make a difference. Tune in to gain fresh insights, be inspired to push the boundaries, and join the movement to create a brighter, more inclusive future through decolonized mathematics education. Contact Maegan on Twitter/X (@MaeganGiroux) or by email: m.giroux@rcsd.ca View the framework here: https://thinkthankthunk.kylewebb.ca/ep-7/ References shared here: https://bit.ly/4Rs-references

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 15 from Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl. They address the big question surrounding how teacher can realistically implement all of the Thinking Classroom practices without overwhelming themselves and their students. They get into the four toolkits laid out in the book and share some tips and ideas on how to best implement each toolkit. Additionally, they briefly address the challenges presented when we see students being really successful in groups, but struggling on individual assessments and discuss the alternate pseudosequence provided for teachers who are already comfortable teaching in a Thinking Classroom. Image of the 4 Toolkits: https://bit.ly/BTC-framework Image of the 2 Toolkits for already experienced Thinking Classroom teachers: https://bit.ly/reBTC-framework This episode is the final in the series where we go through each chapter of Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl.

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 14 from Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl. They discuss the big question most teachers have about Thinking Classrooms: how do we grade our students? By utilizing the navigation instruments as grading tools, they share how teachers can shift from a points-gathering paradigm towards a data-gathering paradigm and better reflect the achievement of learners in a Thinking Classroom. A large portion of this episode discusses questions addressed in the FAQ and builds on Maegan and Kyle's classroom experience. The Myth of Objectivity in Mathematics Assessment by Lew Romagnano (PDF) Image of the 3 different parachute packers: https://bit.ly/BTCparachutepackers Image of a navigation instrument used to determine a grade: https://bit.ly/BTCnavgrade This episode is the fifteenth in the series where we go through each chapter of Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl.

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 13 from Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl. They discuss how all assessment should be formative assessment, and some of it will end up being summative. We dive into how to use the navigation instruments suggested in the book and explore how they can better support students in better understanding where they are in their learning journey. In the second half of the episode, you'll hear them dive into the FAQ's and share some of their experiences implementing these in the classroom. Tune in to hear how these simple navigation instruments can become a game-changer in your Thinking Classroom for you and your students. Image of a navigation instrument for Repeating Patterns: https://bit.ly/RPnavinstrument Maegan's Marching Band example: https://bit.ly/MGmarchingband This episode is the fourteenth in the series where we go through each chapter of Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl.

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 12 from Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl. They discuss the idea of evaluating what we value in our Thinking Classroom. If we value perserverence, risk-taking, and collaboration we need to evaluate these in order to develop these competencies in our students. Listen in for a simple, but effective, way of remixing traditional rubrics into something that connects better with how our students learn. This chapter is essential for fostering effective thinkers in our classrooms. An example of one of these rubrics. This episode is the thirteenth in the series where we go through each chapter of Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl.