33 episodes

Join hosts Dean, Maegan, and Kyle on the Think Thank Thunk podcast as they explore Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl. Through interviews with experts and teachers, they share practical tips and insights on implementing the 14 optimal practices outlined in the book. Perfect for math teachers of all levels, each episode features chapter summaries and ideas for transforming lessons into engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to teaching math, subscribe to join the conversation and build a Thinking Classroom that inspires your students.

Think Thank Thunk Kyle Webb

    • Education
    • 4.6 • 14 Ratings

Join hosts Dean, Maegan, and Kyle on the Think Thank Thunk podcast as they explore Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl. Through interviews with experts and teachers, they share practical tips and insights on implementing the 14 optimal practices outlined in the book. Perfect for math teachers of all levels, each episode features chapter summaries and ideas for transforming lessons into engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to teaching math, subscribe to join the conversation and build a Thinking Classroom that inspires your students.

    Ep 16 - Jerrold Wiebe

    Ep 16 - Jerrold Wiebe

    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.

    • 36 min
    Ep 15 - Judy Larsen

    Ep 15 - Judy Larsen

    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.

    • 38 min
    Ep 14 - Sophie Bresciani

    Ep 14 - Sophie Bresciani

    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.

    • 49 min
    Ep 13 - Tim Brzezinski & Melisa McCain

    Ep 13 - Tim Brzezinski & Melisa McCain

    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.

    • 47 min
    Ep 12 - Brian Jackson

    Ep 12 - Brian Jackson

    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.

    • 33 min
    Ep 11 - Jared is Back

    Ep 11 - Jared is Back

    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

    • 42 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
14 Ratings

14 Ratings

JP121459 ,

Good Information

After attending the BTCC conference and reading the book, this has been a great resource to help prepare for a new school year. I do think there are times when I am listening, that I struggle because the hosts will start talking SUPER fast. I noticed this a lot in the episode on notes. For a second, I thought it was put on some type of fast forward mode.

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