The way a task is launched can significantly influence its effectiveness. Even the most thoughtfully crafted tasks can struggle to engage student thinking if not introduced mindfully. In this session, we’ll explore how to strike the delicate balance of giving students just enough information to understand and engage with the task while withholding just enough to encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and–most importantly–thinking. Through hands-on practice, participants will leave with actionable strategies to launch a task and a fresh perspective on what it feels like to be given tasks from their students’ point of view.
This session will walk through the progression of a mathematics unit: building relationships with teachers; co-planning, honouring students’ cultures; redesigning a mathematics task to include cultural relevance and meeting the needs of students' IEPs; celebrating student voice; and long-range planning using mathematical modeling. I will share data that shows how student engagement and achievement are affected by redesigned practices that include BTC, UDL, and DI principles. Participants will have the opportunity to bring their own examples and adapt curricular mathematics tasks to embed with students' cultures and lived experiences.
"BTC & Neurodiversity: Goes Together Like PB&J" will empower you to transform your classroom into an inclusive, dynamic learning space. By using strategies like random groupings, vertical non-permanent surfaces (VNPS), and navigation tools, this session demonstrates how to engage and support neurodiverse learners in meaningful ways. You will participate in hands-on activities, discover best practices, and leave with practical resources to promote equity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
You’ve been implementing the practices of the thinking classroom, but student engagement still feels off. You wonder whether it is an overemphasis on getting good grades or students’ conditioning in a transactional system. You’re not alone! Come learn how an overhaul of my own instruction and grading practices refocused students on engagement in learning and thinking. In this session, you will engage in some thinking practice tasks and see how they fit within the Pillars & Practices framework. Whether you’re ready for dramatic change or small steps, this session has tons to offer!
Hi! I just completed a move up from San Diego to Western Washington. I'm so excited! I've been teaching math in the high school and college settings (with a little bit of middle school) for over twenty years. I like talking about the Pillars & Practices framework, ungrading, redesigning... Read More →
This session emphasizes the vital role of leadership in fostering and sustaining thinking classrooms in mathematics. The session will focus on strategies for school leaders to support educators in implementing Building Thinking Classrooms practices.
