THOUGHTFUL CLASSROOM PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SUITES
A Professional Learning Suite
Deeper Learning in Mathematics
Tools and strategies for energizing and deepening learning in every math classroom
Featuring Dr. Harvey Silver, today’s leading expert on instructional tools and strategies and Kevin Bandura, Thoughtful Classroom’s mathematics expert with 27 years of experience as a teacher of mathematics and school leader
So many math teachers are looking for the same thing:
Dependable ways to get students actively engaged in mathematical thinking and problem-solving.
Deeper Learning in Mathematics is a new professional learning suite inspired by Kevin Bandura’s 27 years of experience as a math teacher and his journey in transforming his own math classroom from worksheet-driven and teacher-directed to a place where deep learning, positive productive struggle, and high levels of engagement became the norm.
This suite helps teachers of mathematics leverage a powerful (but too-often overlooked) premise: Simple but strategic moves can have a dramatic impact on student learning and achievement. It features instructional tools, in the form of expert-led video tutorials that focus on practical applications for the math classroom. More specifically, this suite presents tools and strategies that help math teachers . . .
- Establish a positive learning environment and foster a growth mindset in all students.
- Build the procedural knowledge students need to tackle complex math problems.
- Go beyond memorization to develop conceptual understanding that sticks.
What Tools & Strategies Will I Find In This Suite?
Click above for an advance organizer of the tools and strategies in this suite.
Building a Classroom Environment That Supports Deep Learning
- Student-Friendly Learning Targets (+ Post, Discuss, Reference): Ensure students have a deep and personal understanding of mathematical learning targets and use them to assess their own learning
- Interaction in an Instant: Use these on-the-fly techniques to engage students in talking to and learning from their classmates
- Q-SPACE: Create a “questioning space” (Q-SPACE) in your mathematics classroom that helps students develop deeper and more thoughtful responses
- Test Feedback: Make math tests more positive by inviting students to demonstrate their knowledge of untested material and express their feelings
Developing Students’ Procedural Know-How
- GOT It!: Help students assess and chart their progress (Growth Over Time) as they work to achieve specific learning goals or targets
- It’s All in the Cards: Engage all students in practicing math while building their procedural fluency, problem-solving capacity, and perseverance
- Sum Challenge: Boost the power of practicing math by integrating individual accountability, peer support, and teacher feedback in an engaging format
- Graduated Difficulty: Encourage students to assess their own level of understanding and readiness—and then select the “just right” level of challenge until they can achieve at higher levels
- Math Notes: Develop students’ ability to plan for and solve challenging math problems
Building Deep Understanding of Mathematical Concepts
- Vocabulary Knowledge Rating (VKR): Introduce students to critical mathematics vocabulary before instruction begins and empower them to assess and improve their understanding as the unit unfolds
- Concept Attainment (+ Which One Doesn’t Belong?): Build deep understanding of core mathematics concepts by presenting students with examples and non-examples, and challenging students to identify critical attributes
- Concept Definition Map: Help students deepen their understanding of key mathematics concepts by using a visual organizer to build powerful definitions
- Associations Triangle: Help students build big-picture understanding by challenging them to explain the connections between important math terms or concepts
PLUS:
- Practical resources to help teachers, math departments, and PLCs plan, reflect, and analyze student work.
Your Path to Improvement Starts Here
Check Out a Sample TOOL Tutorial
Check out all of the
Thoughtful Classroom Professional Learning Suites
Tools for Core Content Areas
Tools and Strategies for Active, In-Depth Learning
Best Bets: From Research to Practice
Special Edition: Custom Curated Suites
Powerful Frameworks for Better Teaching and Learning