Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics

Much of what math classrooms look like—and how learning unfolds within them—is shaped by institutional norms rooted in an industrial-age model of public education. While familiar, these norms often result in classrooms where students comply and mimic rather than actively think.

In this interactive workshop, participants will experience insights drawn from over 15 years of research on how teachers can transform classrooms into spaces where student thinking is visible, valued, and central to learning. Through hands-on activities and classroom-ready practices, educators will explore concrete ways to shift math classrooms from spaces where students mimic to spaces where they think, and think deeply about the mathematics they are learning.

The workshop is grounded in and closely connected to the best-selling books Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K–12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning and Tasks for the Thinking Classroom (K–5 and 6–12), offering practical strategies that can be implemented immediately.

This workshop is for any teacher (K-16) who wants to learn how to build their own thinking classroom.

Peter Liljedahl is a former math teacher and current professor of Mathematics Education known for his significant contributions to the field of mathematics education, particularly in the development of "Building Thinking Classrooms." With a passion for fostering deep mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills, Peter has dedicated his career to reshaping classroom environments. His work emphasises collaborative learning, problem-solving, and student engagement, leading to more effective and meaningful mathematics education experiences. Through his innovative teaching methods and research, Peter continues to inspire educators worldwide to create dynamic and thought-provoking learning spaces.

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Host or Publisher International School of Amsterdam