While most teachers are off for the summer, Manchester Township High School (MTHS) math teachers are actively preparing for an engaging and innovative school year ahead. Four MTHS math teachers, along with a school leader, recently attended a professional development workshop at Point Pleasant Borough High School focused on the “Building Thinking Classrooms” (BTC) model, an instructional approach designed to foster deep mathematical thinking and student-centered learning.
The team spent the day collaborating with educators from Point Pleasant Boro, Barnegat, and Pinelands Regional High Schools. Together, they explored how to transform traditional math classrooms into dynamic spaces where students are actively thinking, solving problems, and working together in meaningful ways.
The BTC approach centers around creating learning environments where students are engaged in genuine critical thinking rather than passively receiving information. Key strategies include using vertical non-permanent surfaces (like whiteboards) for problem-solving, grouping students randomly to encourage collaboration, and designing tasks that promote deep understanding over rote procedures.
Some of the benefits of Building Thinking Classrooms include:
Increased student engagement that encourages students to take greater ownership of their learning by participating more actively;
Deeper conceptual understanding that emphasizes critical thinking over memorization;
Stronger problem-solving skills to help build resilience and flexible thinking;
Collaborative learning through random grouping and visible thinking that fosters communication and teamwork;
Real-time feedback that enables teachers to assess understanding quickly and adjust instruction effectively;
And a positive classroom culture that always encourages a safe space for risk-taking and learning from mistakes;
Following the workshop, the MTHS team plans to build content-based cohorts with partner schools to continue developing effective lessons and BTC-aligned tasks throughout the year.
Their participation in this summer training is just one example of how Manchester’s educators go above and beyond to improve instruction and student outcomes, even during the summer months. We are proud of their commitment to excellence and innovation in the classroom!
