Critical Thinking in the Math Classroom, Taylor, Spring 2026

Course Number:	EDX 5710 S13
Instructor:	Curtis Taylor, M.S.
Location:	Online-asynchronously
Dates and Times:	Mar 20, 2026 - May 15, 2026
Credits:	3 Graduate Credits
Tuition:	$1,195

Course Description

Participants in this course will collaborate with their professor and peers to build a deeper understanding of research-based practices that build mathematical thinkers. This includes the exploration of practical strategies that promote student thinking through collaboration. Participants will explore the “Building Thinking Classrooms” framework with an emphasis on the first few practices. A final project will include a plan on how to implement practices that will help build a thinking classroom.

Audience: K-12 Teachers, Math Teachers, Special Educators, School Leaders with a Bachelor's Degree

Course Goals & Objectives

Course Goals:

To understand the types of mathematical tasks that encourage student thinking.
To explore techniques that encourage student problem solving through collaboration.
To learn strategies for developing and facilitating student collaboration.

Course Objectives:

To develop an evidence-based plan for building more student thinking in their classroom.
To learn techniques for turning textbook tasks into thinking tasks.

Course Schedule

Each week consists of an online discussion that participants will engage in. The final project will be worked on throughout the course.

Instructor

Curtis Taylor has been a 5th and 6th grade teacher at Crossett Brook Middle School in Duxbury, Vermont for the past 13 years. He earned his Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics through the Vermont Mathematics Initiative at the University of Vermont. He holds endorsements in K-6 Elementary Education and 7-12 Mathematics. Curtis is passionate about implementing practices in the math classroom that encourage students to think critically through collaborative problem solving. He has worked on district level math leadership teams and facilitated professional development at the district level. He enjoys spending time with his family, running, skiing or mountain biking on local trails.