

Mailbag: Building Thinking Classrooms, number talks & more with Zach Groshell (Ep 44)
16 snips Apr 2, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Zach Groshell, a teacher, coach, and education consultant, shares expert insights into math instruction. He addresses how to manage diverse proficiency levels and critiques the Building Thinking Classrooms approach. Zach highlights the importance of foundational skills over new methodologies and shares practical strategies for effective differentiation. The duo also debates the value of number talks for building math fluency and emphasizes maximizing instructional time through efficient teaching practices.
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Differentiated Direct Instruction
- Implement direct instruction when students have diverse skill levels.
- Address skill gaps with targeted materials and consider homogeneous grouping for focused instruction.
Mini Whiteboard Limitations
- Mini whiteboards are unsuitable for complex problems requiring extended time.
- Simplify tasks or use alternative methods like reference sheets or prior review for fluency practice.
MTSS for Targeted Support
- Utilize Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) effectively to provide extra math support for struggling students.
- Employ strategies like targeted interventions and additional practice with a paraprofessional.