Think Thank Thunk

Ep 27 - Jason To Nov 04, 2025

In this episode, Kyle welcomes Jason To, Math Coordinator for the Toronto District School Board. Together, they address the ongoing debate between inquiry-based learning and explicit instruction. Jason shares his journey into the world of cognitive science, exploring how concepts like cognitive load theory and collective working memory may actually help explain why the Building Thinking Classrooms framework is effective. They also discuss common misunderstandings from both "sides" of the debate, the practical plateaus teachers often face, and the critical need for teacher content knowledge. Tune in for a conversation that moves beyond pedagogical labels and focuses on what's truly important: making sure students are not only engaged, but are also learning.

Links:

Jason's Blog Post: Why Building Thinking Classrooms Works: Using Evidence from Cognitive Science Research to Explain the Effectiveness of the BTC Framework

Ontario's High-Impact Instructional Practices in Mathematics

Ep 26 - Chase Orton Oct 20, 2025

In this episode, Kyle and Dean welcome Chase Orton, author of The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher. Together, they dive into the core themes from Chase's book, exploring the power of vulnerability and what it means to be an "imperfect and unfinished" teacher. They discuss the importance of interrogating our own math story and breaking free from the traditional "script" that so many teachers inherit from their time as students. They also tackle the common belief that the purpose of math is just to prepare for next year's math class and how this leads to an unhealthy blame game between grade levels. Tune in for a deep conversation about pedagogy, teacher identity, and why the most valuable professional development might just be in the classroom next door.

Links:

https://chaseorton.com/

Audio Companion to the Book, The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher

Ep 25 - The Messy Reality Oct 07, 2025

In this episode, Maegan, Dean, and Kyle get real about their day-to-day journeys with Building Thinking Classrooms. Together, they pull back the curtain to share the "messy reality": the highs, the lows, and the everyday challenges that don't always make the highlight reel. They discuss the universal struggle of getting students to stand, managing complex classroom dynamics with learners from kindergarten to high school, and navigating logistical hurdles like 30-minute class periods. They also celebrate the profound wins that keep them going: the power of math journals, the joy of seeing unexpected students thrive, and the beautiful moments when a classroom truly becomes a community. Tune in for an honest and relatable conversation about why the journey is worth the effort, even when it’s not perfect.

Ep 24 - Vanessa Vakharia Sep 22, 2025

In this episode, Kyle, Maegan, and Dean welcome Vanessa Vakharia, aka The Math Guru and author of Math Therapy. Together, they unpack the deep-seated issue of math trauma and how the Building Thinking Classrooms approach helps us deal with it. The group explores how to create a classroom culture built on empathy and safety by prioritizing questions over answers, while also discussing the importance of progress over perfection, journaling, and helping students develop a stronger math identity. Tune in for a powerful discussion on how to help students build a better relationship with math—one conversation at a time.

Ep 23 - We’re Back… Again! (and We’re Sorry!) Sep 08, 2025

After a longer-than-planned break, Kyle, Maegan, and Dean are back! In this candid episode, the trio addresses their podcast hiatus and shares their excitement to reconnect with the community. Dean and Maegan dive into powerful stories from their first day back in the classroom, while Kyle reflects on his role in professional development and his passion for getting back into classrooms to learn from other teachers. They discuss how they get students into a state of flow, the importance of small wins, and their goals for the year, including improving assessment and fostering numerical flexibility. Tune in to hear about their on-the-ground experiences and get a preview of what’s to come this season.

Links:

The Thinking Desk: https://thethinkingdesk.com/
BTC K-5 Task Book: Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5 by Peter Liljedahl and Maegan Giroux
BTC 6-12 Task Book (Coming Oct 2025): Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12 by Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb

Ep 22 - Tammy McMorrow Jan 16, 2025

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.

Ep 21 - Peter Liljedahl Dec 10, 2024

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.

Ep 20 - We're Back! Nov 11, 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

Ep 19 - High School Student Insights Jul 12, 2024

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

Ep 18 - Alicia Burdess May 31, 2024

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

Ep 17 - Peter & Meagan's K-5 Task Book May 22, 2024

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.

Ep 16 - Jerrold Wiebe May 08, 2024

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.

Ep 15 - Judy Larsen Mar 26, 2024

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.

Ep 14 - Sophie Bresciani Mar 13, 2024

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.

Ep 13 - Tim Brzezinski & Melisa McCain Feb 01, 2024

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.

Ep 12 - Brian Jackson Jan 11, 2024

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.

Ep 11 - Jared is Back Dec 19, 2023

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

Ep 10 - The Art of the Close Nov 16, 2023

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

Ep 9 - Lana Steiner Sep 18, 2023

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:

Ep 8 - Back to School Sep 08, 2023

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!

Ep 7 - 4R's of Decolonizing Math Ed Aug 25, 2023

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

Ch 15 - Pulling the 14 Practices Together Aug 11, 2023

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.

Ch 14 - How We Grade Aug 03, 2023

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.

Ch 13 - How We Use Formative Assessment Jul 27, 2023

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.

Ch 12 - What We Choose to Evaluate Jul 21, 2023

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.

Ch 11 - How Students Take Notes Jul 14, 2023

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 11 from Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl.

They discuss the idea of shifting note taking to note making for students by having students write notes to their future-forgetful-selves. Listen in for some simple shifts to make in how you approach notes that will result in making notes a thinking activity, rather than a mindless activity.

5 Steps into Notes: https://bit.ly/BTCnotes
Facebook Webinar Recording: https://youtu.be/fWFzLrRWsys?t=480
Ep 5 with Peter Liljedahl, where he discusses the quadrant notemaking method.

This episode is the twelfth in the series where we go through each chapter of Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl.

Ch 10 - How We Consolidate Jul 07, 2023

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 10 from Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl.

They discuss the importance of consolidation in a Thinking Classroom and share some of the different ways teachers can consolidate. Listen in for some tips and tricks that they've learned through trial-and-error to help you refine your consolidation practices.

This episode is the eleventh in the series where we go through each chapter of Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl.

Ep 6 - The Students Have Their Say Jul 04, 2023

It's summer break for us and in this episode, we take a different direction by revisiting and resharing a recording from our previous podcast. Listen in as we talk directly to students in Thinking Classrooms from a few of our schools. You'll hear from students in a wide range of grades as they share how math has been different this year, what they've liked and disliked, and what they hope for the future of math class. Enjoy!

Make sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast app and share with a teaching friend if you find our episodes helpful.

Follow us on Twitter: @ThinkThankPod

Ch 9 - How We Use Hints and Extensions Jun 28, 2023

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 9 from Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl.

They discuss the concept of flow and why we need to be so aware of the states our students are in during Thinking Classroom tasks. They also discuss thin-slicing, the banner method and Maegan shares a fun way she incorporates a joker card into her deck for random groups. This episode is all about how we can get through the content we need to teach while remaining true to the Thinking Classroom practices.

Graph illustrating Flow

This episode is the tenth in the ⁠⁠series⁠⁠where we go through each chapter of ⁠⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

Ch 8 - How We Foster Student Autonomy Jun 21, 2023

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 8 from ⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

They discuss ways we can build student autonomy by allowing students to think for themselves and manage their own learning. They also share some teacher moves to help build student autonomy and get into some of the benefits of leaning into this practice.

This episode is the ninth in the ⁠series⁠where we go through each chapter of ⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

Ep 5 - Peter Liljedahl Jun 19, 2023

In this episode, Dean, Maegan and Kyle interview Peter Liljedahl (@pgliljedahl), author of Building Thinking Classrooms and lead researcher behind the transformational teaching practices.

We discuss the popularity of the book and how it has become a game-changer for educators worldwide. Explore new and innovative methods for consolidation and notemaking that empower students to become active thinkers and problem solvers in the classroom. Uncover the power of making subtle yet impactful tweaks to teaching practices, resulting in significant improvements in student engagement and achievement.

We delve into the fascinating concept of recognizing and supporting productive struggle among student groups. Peter also sheds light on the issue of students being burdened by an excess of algorithmic knowledge that inhibits their creativity. We also discuss the emergence of AI like ChatGPT, how it impacts Thinking Classrooms, and how educators can harness this technology to support student thinking.

Peter shares his thoughts on why behavior rubrics may not be having their desired impact and shares a personal source of inspiration in the field of math education.

Finally, we explore what lies ahead in the realm of Thinking Classrooms including where the research is heading and a few new books to look forward to.

Book: Choosing to See: A Framework for Equity in the Math Classroom

Ch 7 - What Homework Looks Like Jun 14, 2023

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 7 from ⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

They discuss the challenges of homework, the disconnect between teachers and students regarding its purpose, and how Thinking Classrooms can implement Check-Your-Understanding questions as a reframing of homework that promotes thinking in learners.

This episode is the eighth in the ⁠⁠series⁠⁠where we go through each chapter of ⁠⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

Ep 4 - Lisa Eberharter Jun 12, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Dean are joined by Lisa Eberharter (⁠@lisaebe⁠), a Curriculum Consultant with Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Education. They discuss the intersection of Building Thinking Classrooms and multiple representations in math class. The conversation highlights the importance of the concrete-pictorial-symbolic continuum (sometimes called concrete-representational-abstract) and ways to integrate more manipulatives and concrete representations into math class to enhance student understanding.

Find the Numeracy Resources mentioned by Lisa here: Numeracy Project

Check out Polypad today: Polypad – Virtual Manipulatives – Mathigon

Find us on Twitter: @ThinkThankPod

Ch 6 - When, Where, and How Tasks are Given Jun 07, 2023

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 6 from ⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

They discuss how important our delivery or rich tasks is. Listen in for ideas on how to shift towards delivering tasks early, on our feet, and in ways that will engage our learners.

This episode is the seventh in the ⁠⁠series⁠⁠where we go through each chapter of ⁠⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

Ch 5 - How We Answer Questions May 31, 2023

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 5 from ⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

They discuss the types of questions we face as teachers and some of problems they present. Listen in for ideas on how to shift our focus from answering every question towards using questions as a way to promote thinking.

Here is a link to Laura Wheeler's (@wheeler_laura) #ThinkingClassroom Question Prompts Graphic.

This episode is the sixth in the ⁠⁠series⁠⁠where we go through each chapter of ⁠⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

Ep 3 - Necessary Conditions with Geoff Krall May 26, 2023

Dean and Kyle are joined by Geoff Krall (⁠@geoffkrall⁠), who wears multiple hats as an author, PhD student, math leader, and professional developer.

Geoff unveils the enlightening insights he has gathered in his book Necessary Conditions⁠. Together, we delve into the fascinating realm of academic safety, effective facilitation, and quality tasks, all while forging meaningful connections to the transformative practices of Building Thinking Classrooms. Listen in as Geoff generously imparts a treasure trove of innovative ideas about the way we approach teaching mathematics, ensuring a truly enriching learning experience for all our students.

Notable links mentioned in this episode:

Find us on Twitter: @ThinkThankPod

Ch 4 - How We Arrange Our Classrooms May 24, 2023

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 4 from ⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

They discuss why how we arrange our classroom matters and what defronting our classroom is all about. They also provide some ideas on how you might tackle this practice in your classroom.

This episode is the fifth in the ⁠⁠series⁠⁠where we go through each chapter of ⁠⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

Ch 3 - Where Students Work May 17, 2023

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 3 from ⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

They discuss why where we have students work matters, how implementing vertical non-permanent surfaces (VNPS) can promote student engagement, thinking, collaboration, and reduce anonymity. Throughout the conversation, they provide valuable insights and practical tips for maximizing the benefits of VNPS in the classroom setting.

This episode is the fourth in the ⁠⁠series⁠⁠where we go through each chapter of ⁠⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

Ep 2 - Gale Russell May 12, 2023

Kyle and Dean are joined by Dr. Gale Russell (@GaleForcedWinds), a professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Regina. Gale shares her insights on building a Thinking Classroom and how Peter Liljedahl’s work has influenced her teaching of pre-service teachers. She also talks about the importance of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for students.

Listen in as we discuss some of the barriers and misconceptions we face when trying to change how math is taught, mathematical safety, assessment in math, and how mathematics is so much more than what we typically teach.

Learn more about Dr. Gale Russell and her research interests here: ⁠Dr. Gale Russell, University of Regina⁠

Find us on Twitter: @ThinkThankPod

Books mentioned in the episode:

Necessary Conditions by Geoff Krall
Grading From the Inside Out by Tom Schimmer
Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead) by Susan D. Blum

Looking for good math tasks? Check out our rich task database: http://bit.ly/SKmathtasks

Ch 2 - How We Form Collaborative Groups May 09, 2023

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 2 from ⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

They discuss why the way we form groups matters, how to form frequent visibly random groups, and share some of the benefits of structuring groups this way.

This episode is the third in the ⁠⁠series⁠⁠where we go through each chapter of ⁠⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

Ch 1 - Tasks in Thinking Classrooms Apr 24, 2023

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into Chapter 1 from ⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

They discuss why tasks matter, the characteristics of good tasks, and share some of our favorite tasks with you.

Here is a link to our task database: http://bit.ly/SKmathtasks

This episode is the second in the ⁠⁠series⁠⁠where we go through each chapter of ⁠⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

Ch 0 - Introduction to Building Thinking Classrooms Apr 24, 2023

Join Kyle and Maegan as they dive into the Introduction chapter from ⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

They discuss how this introduction sets the stage for the rest of the book by introducing the "studenting" behaviors and looks at how little thinking is actually happening in traditional math classrooms.

This episode is the first in the ⁠⁠series⁠⁠where we go through each chapter of ⁠⁠Building Thinking Classrooms⁠⁠ by Peter Liljedahl.

Ep 1 - Jared Sliger Apr 22, 2023

In this episode, Dean, Maegan and Kyle interview Jared Sliger (@jared_sliger), a middle school math teacher who teaches in Caldwell School Districts in Idaho.

Jared shares his experience teaching middle school math and how he has adapted his teaching style to better engage students over time - ultimately leading him to the Building Thinking Classroom practices. He also discusses some of the work he has done training teachers on Building Thinking Classrooms.

Ep 0 - Welcome to Think, Thank, Thunk Apr 18, 2023

What is Think, Thank, Thank all about? And who are Dean, Maegan, and Kyle?

Follow us on Twitter: @ThinkThankPod

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