Building Thinking Classrooms is a research-based teaching framework (developed by Dr. Peter Liljedahl) focused on fostering deep mathematical thinking. It outlines 14 key practices that create optimal conditions for student engagement and problem-solving. In a BTC-aligned classroom, you’ll see:
Students tackle engaging problems that make them think critically, not just memorize procedures
Learners discuss their ideas and strategies, learning from each other through dialogue
Students tackle engaging problems that make them think critically, not just memorize procedures
Magma Math was built with the same goals as BTC: to make student thinking visible and to deepen learning. Here’s how Magma aligns with and supports key BTC principles:
Curious how this looks in practice?
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Real teachers and school leaders have seen the impact of combining BTC with Magma Math
“Magma has been a game-changer in our district’s Thinking Classrooms initiative. Teachers can finally capture every student’s thought process, and students love showing their work in a whole new way. We’ve seen quieter students start participating more once we began using Magma.”
Linda Carter
Math Curriculum Director, Sunrise ISD
“As a classroom teacher, I was already doing group whiteboard work, but Magma took it to another level. I can highlight different problem-solving methods from my students with just a few clicks. It’s made our post-problem discussions so much richer because we have actual student work to talk about, not just hypothetical ideas.”
Jason Lee
8th Grade Math Teacher
These are just a couple of the success stories from educators who blended Building Thinking Classrooms strategies with Magma Math’s platform. The results?
More engaged students, deeper discussions, and clearer insights into learning.
We’ve gathered some valuable resources to help you explore the BTC framework and see how Magma Math fits in. Whether you’re ready to act now or just beginning to learn, there’s something here for you:
Explore how Magma Math supports the Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) framework by emphasizing student-centered learning.
Delve into innovative grading practices within BTC, to ensure students progress in skill mastery.
Focusing on formative assessment, this article explores tiered 'Check Your Understanding' assignments in Magma.
Dive into insights on effective lesson closure techniques within the BTC framework.
Building Thinking Classrooms + Magma Math = Engaged, Empowered, and Thinking Students. If you’re excited to elevate your math instruction, we’re here to help you take the next step:
Our team is here to support you in blending BTC practices with Magma. Contact us anytime for expert advice or to chat with a fellow educator who’s already on this journey. Let’s build thinking classrooms together!
