Building Thinking Classrooms Book Study (Macomb)

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Register by: September 3, 2026

Are you tired of the "I do, we do, you do" routine leaving your students passive and disengaged? Do you find yourself doing more thinking during a lesson than your students do?

Join us for an interactive, practice-based book study of Peter Liljedahl's groundbreaking research. Building Thinking Classrooms outlines 14 specific teaching practices that transform classrooms from spaces of passive "studenting" into dynamic environments where students actively think, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning.

This isn't just a book study- it's a launchpad for action. Each meeting, we will explore a core cluster of practices, discuss the institutional barriers that hold students back, and commit to trying out micro-changes in our classrooms the very next day.

By participating in this book study, you will learn how to:
- Deconstruct the Passive Classroom: Understand why traditional seating, grading, and lecturing methods accidentally discourage deep thinking.
- Implement High-Impact Practices: Master the first steps of the framework, including using Visibly Random Groups (VRGs) and Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS) like whiteboards to instantly boost student collaboration.
- Foster Autonomy: Craft and deliver "thinking tasks" that spark immediate curiosity and resilience in students, regardless of their current math level.
- Reimagine Assessment: Shift your grading practices to focus on the process of learning rather than just the final product.

Participant Expectations & Credit
- Read: Approximately 3-4 short, highly visual chapters per session
- Try: Implement at least one macro- or micro-practice in your classroom between sessions and bring your reflections (and student work samples!) to the group.
- PD Hours: Participants who attend sessions and complete the reading will receive 4 Professional Development Hours per meeting.

Note: The book is provided.