2024 RISE Conference

This session would be appropriate for any teacher in 6th-12th math

Inspired by the book, "Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics" by John Liljedahl, this session will prompt participants to reflect on their own instructional practices in order to determine whether the students or the teacher are doing more thinking in their classroom. Though this methodology was first researched and applied in math classrooms, the strategies it promotes can be used in any content area.

In order to enhance student engagement and learning, participants in this session will reflect on their practices and explore an effective instructional strategy, “Launch, Explore, Discuss”. This strategy is designed to encourage higher levels of student thinking. Participants will share with their colleagues current strategies they implement in their classrooms to encourage high levels of student thinking. To encourage collaboration, a jigsaw activity will be facilitated. After completing the jigsaw activity, participants will compare and contrast the “Launch, Explore, Discuss” strategy with the familiar and commonly used Gradual Release Model by completing a Venn Diagram.

The participants will be motivated to implement "Launch, Explore, Discuss" in their classrooms by selecting a standard from their curriculum framework and flipping the traditional learning process. They will leave the session with a clear understanding of the strategy and how it can be used to enhance learning and engagement among students. All participants will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of the book, "Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics and the book, "Modifying Your Thinking Classroom for Any Setting" by John Liljedahl.