In 2003, Jane, a middle school math teacher, struggled with a new problem-solving curriculum, revealing that traditional teaching methods kept students busy but not truly thinking. Over 15 years, working with 400 K-12 teachers, 14 key factors were identified to foster deeper student engagement and thinking. Implementing specific practices such as using vertical non-permanent surfaces (VNPSs), random grouping, and dynamic workspaces led to the development of thinking classrooms where students actively engage in meaningful learning. These innovative methods break institutional norms, creating environments that promote sustained intellectual engagement and collaboration.
Using the Wipebooks Flipcharts, teachers began working out their problems, discussing the problem, drawing, writing, and erasing as their discussions changed. I noticed that teachers were more liberal with their writing and editing of problems since the Wipebook made it easier to correct their mistakes or change their work product.
