Critical Thinking in the Math Classroom
Presenters:
Stephen Coddington
Andrea Hassell
Victory Scott School
Whitney Institute Middle School

Introduction

Engage/Activate

Working on It

Reflect and Connect
Agenda:

What does Critical Thinking look like?
Critical thinking in elementary
mathematics: What? Why? When? and
How?
Critical Thinking in the Math Classroom.

When does Critical Thinking Begin?
Critical Thinking in the Math Classroom.
Cooperative Learning Groups & Responsibilities
Engage/Activate!
Cooperative Learning Groups & Responsibilities
Task A: Triangle Sort
1. Sort the entire collection into three
groups so that no triangle belongs to
two groups.
2. Give a description or name to each of
the groups and record on chart paper.
3. Once you have found one criterion for
sorting. Determine a second.
Engage/Activate!
Cooperative Learning Groups & Responsibilities
Task 1: Classifying
Triangles
The following shows how
triangles can be classified
according to some of their
features: ANGLES,
SIDES, SIZE
Individual Activity.
O Sketch a triangle
in each of the nine
cells.
O Of the nine cells
in the chart, two
of them are
impossible to fill.
Can you tell which
ones and why?
Engage/Activate!
Question to Help
Student’s Reflect

What did you do
well?



problem?
How did solving this
problem make you feel?
What did you learn
by solving this
What was easy/difficult
for you?
What difficulties did
you have?

Question to Help
Student’s Share Their
Feelings

Do you feel ready to solve
a problem like this again?
Reflect and Connect!
The aim is to encourage children to
think critically about solutions rather
than focus on one “right” answer.
Conclusion
Critical Thinking in the Math Classroom
STATE:

3 things you learned from today’s PD


2 things you are still unsure about
1 thing you are TOTALLY confused about
Closure Activity
Math and Science Institute – Ministry of
Education – Rebeka Sousa
 E-Workshop - Queen’s Printer for Ontario
 Tips for Teachers – The Critical Thinking
Consortium 2013
 Integrating Mathematics Problem Solving
and Critical Thinking into the Curriculum –
www.naeyc.org

Sources.
Stephen Coddington –
stcoddington@moed.bm
 Victor Scott School

Andrea Hassell –
ahassell@meod.bm
Whitney Institute Middle School

Presenters Contact Information!