Tidbits from the High School VP: Thinking Classroom

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The Thinking Classroom incorporates 14 practices that have been researched and developed by Peter Liljedahl. I stumbled upon it 4 years ago and haven’t looked back. My classroom has transformed into a room of thinkers, problem solvers, and explorers while I get to observe and participate in their journey. 

If this is the first time you are hearing about this, there are many great resources out there. Here is a video of a session I did for MDE and MCTM that will help you become more familiar with it: https://youtu.be/FYOWg8y1K54

If you are familiar with the Thinking Classroom I want to share a few resources and tips with you. 

Resources:

  1. There is a Facebook group that is doing a great job sharing resources and facilitating discussions. The group is called “Building Thinking Classrooms”. Check out the guides tab to find some great resources and links. 
  2. The Facebook group recently did a great question/answer session with Peter Liljedahl and are sharing the recording. I highly recommend watching it: https://youtu.be/FYOWg8y1K54

Tips:

  1. When giving a series of problems to work through, do not give the groups the problems all at one time. It is a temptation I fell for, but will resist from now on. When students see how many problems they have to do, the list becomes a checklist that they are eager to complete. 
  2. Write the next problem at the top of the board for one group when they are ready, then when the next group wants it, point to the one you already wrote. This will train the groups to look around for their next problem and save from too much downtime as they wait for you to reach their group. Be intentional about this. This will allow you to spend more time with each group and not feel rushed.
  3. When first joining a group, take time listening to what they have done. Pick a student, point to a part of the board, and ask them to explain what they did there. Move around the group asking each student for input on different parts. Then, when they have gone through it all, you will have a great idea of what they need next. I have found that I always assumed I knew what they were doing, but by asking them to explain, I have come to realize I should never assume. 

The MCTM Spring Conference is coming up. If you haven’t registered, please consider doing so soon. You can register at: https://www.mctm.org/event-4541070

I will be presenting two sessions about the Thinking Classroom:

  • Thinking Classroom: Student Engagement, Discourse, and Thinking
    • This will be an introductory session for those who are new to the Thinking Classroom
  • Building Thinking Classroom: Tasks and Tips
    • This will explore how to create your own tasks and thin-slicing tasks

Jessica Strom
Win-E-Mac School
High School Vice-President