Building Thinking Classrooms

In the world of education, innovative teaching methods often stand out for their ability to reshape classroom dynamics and transform students into active participants in their learning journey. Peter Liljedahl's "Building Thinking Classrooms" is one such approach that has gained significant attention for its emphasis on fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and a growth mindset among students.

At its core, Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) focuses on creating an environment where students are not just passive recipients of information, but active contributors to their learning process. Dr. Peter Liljedahl, a professor of mathematics education, developed this teaching framework to address the common challenges educators face in promoting deep understanding and engagement among students. The approach is built upon several foundational principles:

• Visible Thinking: In a BTC classroom, students are encouraged to think aloud, share their thought processes, and make their thinking visible to their peers and teachers. This not only helps students refine their ideas but also provides opportunities for collaborative problem-solving.

• Thinking Communities: A BTC classroom becomes a community of thinkers, where students collaborate, challenge each other's ideas, and work together to solve complex problems. This collaborative aspect fosters a sense of belonging and empowers students to take ownership of their learning.

• Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces: Dr. Liljedahl emphasizes the use of vertical non-permanent surfaces, such as whiteboards or chalkboards, as tools for collaborative thinking. These surfaces enable students to work together, share their ideas, and engage in active discussions. Having student work up off of the desks allows for teachers to see student thinking more clearly, and encourages students to use the knowledge around the room if they get stuck.

• Tasks That Promote Struggle: BTC presents students with tasks that encourage them to grapple with challenges, make mistakes, and learn from setbacks. This approach cultivates resilience and a growth mindset, where students see mistakes as opportunities for growth.

• Teacher as Facilitator: In this approach, the teacher's role shifts from being the sole source of knowledge to that of a facilitator who guides discussions, poses thought-provoking questions, manages flow of class time, and provides scaffolding to support students' learning journeys.

The Building Thinking Classrooms approach offers a range of benefits that can transform the learning experience for students. 

• Deeper Understanding: By engaging in collaborative problem-solving and open discussions, students gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Explaining their thought processes to peers enhances their comprehension and critical thinking skills.

• Increased Engagement: The interactive and dynamic nature of BTC captures students' interest and keeps them engaged in the learning process. The emphasis on hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving makes learning relevant and exciting.

• Improved Communication Skills: Sharing ideas and defending one's reasoning in a collaborative setting hones students' communication skills. They learn to express themselves clearly, listen actively, and constructively critique others' ideas.

• Growth Mindset Development: Encountering challenging tasks and persevering through difficulties cultivates a growth mindset. Students learn to view challenges as opportunities for improvement rather than as roadblocks to success.

• Positive Classroom Culture: The focus on collaboration, respect for diverse viewpoints, and a non-judgmental atmosphere creates a positive classroom culture where students feel comfortable taking intellectual risks and expressing their opinions.

Peter Liljedahl's Building Thinking Classrooms approach has breathed new life into education by promoting active engagement, critical thinking, and collaboration. By prioritizing the development of a growth mindset and creating a supportive thinking community, this teaching framework empowers students to become lifelong learners who are unafraid of challenges and eager to explore new horizons. As educators continue to seek innovative ways to enhance student learning, Building Thinking Classrooms stands as a shining example of how a simple shift in teaching methods can have a profound impact on the educational landscape.

If you are interested in exploring Building Thinking Classrooms further, join us for the Building Thinking Classrooms: Book and Action Study! There are both in-person and online options available now in Frontline.