Ten white chalkboards hang in the classroom. The students stand in groups of three. Each group has its own board on which they solve the math problems. – I learn more, it’s much nicer and I’m much more engaged in doing the tasks, says Omdal Fuglestad in the 8th grade at Danielsen junior high school in Haugesund. The school is one of the first in Norway to adopt the method known as the “thinking classroom” in mathematics teaching at all levels. – This is the best teaching I have ever had, says Fredrik Omdal Fuglestad. Fredrik Omdal Fuglestad and the other students work together in groups of three. Photo: Gisle Jørgensen / news The method was developed by the Canadian professor Peter Liljedahl. It has begun to arouse interest among both researchers and teachers worldwide. The teaching often starts with the teacher showing the pupils a video, and the pupils are often given a practical task linked to the video. In addition, Liljedahl’s research findings show that pupils are more active and engaged if they are standing. – For example, we are given the task of calculating how fast we go to school. The teaching is better because we have our own blackboard to rely on, and can discuss it in groups, says Omdal Fuglestad. – Practical and more attractive teaching Mathematics teacher Frode Kristensen became interested in the new teaching method three years ago. He started his own school in Haugesund. The result is that the pupils gain an increased understanding of the subject. – Many people find it difficult and embarrassing to speak mathematics and feel stupid if they answer incorrectly. But here they get to discuss a lot together and become good at solving problems. Then we’ll see that they get it done, says Kristensen. Teacher Frode Kristensen believes that understanding of mathematics is gained through the “Thinking classroom” teaching method. Photo: Gisle Jørgensen / news Using “Thinking classrooms” has also led to progress in the national tests in mathematics. – The teaching is practical and much nicer. The pupils also get much more than just learning subject matter. – Is this teaching in the future? – Yes absolutely. This is already underway in several places in Norway, and we must continue with this, says Kristensen. Researchers are fascinated Mathematics students at the University of Stavanger will write a total of three master’s theses on “Thinking classrooms”. They have filmed and audio-recorded the teaching, the conversations between teacher and pupil and between the pupils at Danielsen junior high school. Dylan Irons has allowed himself to be fascinated by the new method. – This is very exciting. The traditional teaching is actually quite boring, says Irons. Mathematics student Dylan Irons finds the “Thinking Classroom” teaching method very exciting. He is one of the students who has followed the mathematics lessons in Haugesund closely for several days. – It is great to see that some schools are trying to practice more reform-based teaching. They do proper mathematics instead of just learning and memorizing formulas. Irons believes that “Thinking classrooms” manage to internalize the mathematics we use in everyday life. – Mathematics is actually about talking in the community, and working together to solve problems. That’s exactly what they do on the boards hanging around the classroom, says the student.
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Does the “thinking classroom” and blackboards in the classroom make students better at maths – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
