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:
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Real teachers and school leaders have seen the impact of combining BTC with Magma Math
"Magma Math is a brilliant companion to the knowledge transference component of BTC. Students can consolidate learning by completing hand-picked mild, medium, or spicy questions and the teacher can use the data from the heat map to drive future instruction."
Mrs. Melanie Anderson
6th Grade Teacher, Salk Middle School
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"For teachers who are using BTC and are looking for support with easily identifying and using check-your-understanding questions, Magma Math is an excellent resource. It not only helps you to easily select leveled (mild, medium, and spicy) questions, it provides you with immediate feedback on how each individual student is performing, thereby allowing you to provide the individual and just-in-time support students need to transfer their collective knowing and doing into individual knowing and doing."
Dr. Peter Liledhal
Founder & Lead Researcher, for Building Thinking Classrooms
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!
