Building Thinking Classrooms: Turning Theory into Practice - EDC-X729Z

Course Description

Credit Validation for DoDEA Participants Only

This course provides teachers, building leaders, and staff the opportunity to engage in an in-depth study of the Mathematics Teaching Practices (MTP) outlined in our District Action Plan (DAP) and School Action Plans (SAP). It is designed to support all math teachers in implementing and sustaining the MTP Framework to strengthen standards-based instruction and promote student growth through activities that enhance modeling and reasoning skills.

Drawing on Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K–12 (Liljedahl, 2021), educators will apply research-based practices to create learner-centered environments that foster deep mathematical thinking. The resource emphasizes student ownership of learning and has the potential to transform mathematics classrooms. The course balances structure with flexibility, allowing for experimentation, peer feedback, and targeted coaching. The ultimate goal is to drive sustainable shifts in math instruction that prioritize student thinking, problem solving, and independence.

Biweekly team meetings will be held virtually to reflect on classroom implementation. All course materials will be provided through the syllabus and live sessions.

Learner Outcomes

• Select and implement key Building Thinking Classrooms practices that align with their classroom goals
• Apply teaching practices discussed, reflect on their effectiveness on student engagement and learning of mathematics, and gather feedback from course members to improve instructional practices
• Design a classroom environment conducive to the Building Thinking Classrooms structure to enhance student discourse, reasoning, and problem solving
• Choose tasks strategically that align with lesson goals and course outcomes
• Collect artifacts (such as photos, videos, and student work) that reflect the Building Thinking Classrooms Theory of Action for discussion, feedback, and planning next steps
• Contribute their learning to focused collaboration sessions by sharing successful strategies and activities with their team

Course Details

Number of Units: 1.0 - 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for DoDEA Participants

Course Materials: Text, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics Grades K-12 by Peter Liljedahl available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore

Students in the 2-credit option will read the entire book, while students in the 1-credit option are expected to have already read it and may revisit sections as needed

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

1. Enroll in this course with DoDEA

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

2. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks