Learning Opportunities

AUDIENCE: K-12 teachers and learning coaches.

Problem solving is an effective way for students to learn to think mathematically and to acquire deep knowledge and understanding of the mathematics they are learning. 

In this day of professional learning, we will look at a series tools, emerging from research, that can help to build an environment conducive to problem-based learning. We will unpack the research behind Thinking Classrooms which demonstrates that a problem-based learning environment and culture can quickly be established, even in classrooms where students resist change.

The introduction workshop is appropriate for all teachers, whether or not they have read Dr. Peter Lilijedahl's book Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics already. Teachers will experience a Thinking Classroom from the perspective of a student, dig into the teacher moves that help facilitate an effective Thinking Classroom, and become familiar with the research behind Building Thinking Classrooms.

These topics will be covered in the workshop:

• Tasks & how we deliver them
• Collaborative Groups
• Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces
• Defronting
• Addressing questions
• Hints and extensions