Photo Source: Building Thinking Classrooms
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How We Foster Student Autonomy in a Thinking Classroom
A thinking classroom looks very different from a typical classroom. It requires a greater independence on the part of the students, and for thinking classrooms to function well, this independence needs to be fostered. But not just independence in general. To really access the potential of a thinking classroom, students need to learn to look at the work of their peers—to make use of the knowledge that exists in the room and to mobilize that knowledge to keep themselves thinking when they are stuck and need a push or when they are done and need a new task.
(Liljedahl, Peter. “Executive Summary.” Building Thinking Classrooms. 2024)
Photo Source: Mrs. Jurman 2024
What is a "Building Thinking Classrooms" (BTC) Math Class?
What is a "Building Thinking Classrooms" (BTC) Math Class?
If you’ve taken a math class before, you might be used to sitting at a desk, watching the teacher solve problems on a board, and writing down notes.
This class works differently!
In our Building Thinking Classrooms setup, you do the thinking, problem-solving, and math-making from day one.
Here is what to expect when you walk in:
1. We Work on Our Feet
Instead of sitting at a desk with paper, you’ll be up on your feet working on non-permanent surfaces such as wall-mounted whiteboards or vertical wipe boards around the room.
Why? It keeps your brain active, allows your whole group to see the work easily, and makes making mistakes stress-free (because erasing and trying again takes just a second!).
2. Random Groups
You won't sit in the same assigned seat or work with the same person every week. Every day, groups are formed randomly using playing cards.
Why? You will get to know and collaborate with everyone in class. Everyone brings different ideas to the table, and learning how to communicate math with different teammates is a major superpower.
3. Thinking Tasks
Instead of showing you a formula and asking you to repeat it 20 times, we start with engaging, thought-provoking tasks. You and your group will talk through the problem, test out ideas, notice patterns, and build the solution together.
Why? When you discover how and why a math concept works instead of just memorizing a rule, you remember it longer and understand it much deeper.
4. The Teacher is a Guide, NOT an answer key
During group work, Mrs. Jurman won't just stand at the front or give away the answers. Instead, she will move around the room, ask hint questions to keep your group moving forward, and provide extension challenges when you're ready for more.
5. Making Mistakes = Learning
In this classroom, making a mistake isn't a failure, it’s proof that your brain is actively working through a problem. By looking at other groups' boards around the room, sharing ideas, and revising your work, you’ll build confidence in your ability to tackle hard problems.
The Golden Rule of a Thinking Classroom: "Math isn't a spectator sport. It's something you DO!"
The Golden Rule of a Thinking Classroom: "Math isn't a spectator sport. It's something you DO!"
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