RocketPD Instructor

Dr. Peter Liljedahl

Q: Does Building Thinking Classrooms only apply to math?

No. While Peter's research began in mathematics, the BTC framework is being implemented across subjects including language arts, science, and social studies. The core practices around thinking tasks, grouping, and classroom environment apply broadly.

Q: Where should I start if I am new to Building Thinking Classrooms?

Start with the free guide, then join a live-virtual cohort to work directly with Peter and a global community of educators implementing BTC in their schools.

Q: Can RocketPD customize Peter's learning for our district?

Yes. The RocketPD team can help design a custom BTC experience for your district's math teachers, instructional coaches, or broader instructional team — aligned to your goals and calendar.

Helping educators transform classrooms from places of doing into places of thinking — through 15 years of research-backed practice.

Mathematics Instruction Student Engagement

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Creator of Building Thinking Classrooms

15+ Years of BTC Research

14 Teaching Practices

SFU Professor of Math Ed.

Authority Positioning

Why educators learn from Peter

Dr. Peter Liljedahl is a Professor of Mathematics Education at Simon Fraser University and the creator of Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) — a research-based framework for transforming K-12 classrooms into environments where students think, rather than just do. His bestselling book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K-12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning, has sparked a global movement in how educators approach instruction.

Drawing from more than 15 years of classroom research, Peter identified 14 specific teaching practices that reliably produce thinking in students — and he has helped educators worldwide implement them. He consults regularly with teachers, schools, districts, and ministries of education on teaching, problem solving, assessment, numeracy, and the BTC model.

WORK FOCUSES ON

The 14 practices that build thinking in K-12 classrooms
Designing thinking tasks vs. doing tasks
Visible random grouping and vertical non-permanent surfaces
Shifting from teacher-led to student-owned learning
Assessment and homework in a thinking classroom
Applying BTC across subjects beyond mathematics

Featured Resources

Explore resources related to Peter's work.

Ultimate Guide to Thinking Teaching Practices

Helps educators increase student engagement and deep thinking by replacing passive, teacher-led instruction with a research-based set of classroom practices—such as collaborative problem-solving, visible thinking, and purposeful task design—that create...

Episode 2: How to Build a Thinking Classroom (w/Peter Liljedahl)

Peter Liljedahl joins Corey Murray to examine classroom routines that move students from completing tasks toward doing more of the thinking.

How to move from ‘doing’ to ‘thinking’ in K-12 classrooms: 7 types of learning activities with Peter Liljedahl

Peter Liljedahl's Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) framework transforms traditional classrooms into dynamic spaces where collaboration and critical thinking thrive, extending beyond math to any subject through seven core learning activities.

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Registration Open

Live-Virtual Cohort

Building Thinking Classrooms

$495/person

Oct 29 – Dec 3, 2026 · 5 sessions
Mathematics Instruction

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Live-Virtual Cohort

Building Thinking Classrooms Summer Refresh

Dates not announced
Mathematics Instruction

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FAQ

Common questions about learning from Dr. Peter Liljedahl.

Find answers about learning from Dr. Peter Liljedahl and choosing the right next step for your team.

Need help deciding? Talk with the RocketPD team.

Who is Dr. Peter Liljedahl best suited for?

Peter's work is ideal for math teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum directors, and school leaders who want to shift from rote, compliance-driven instruction to classrooms where students actively think, collaborate, and problem-solve.

Does Building Thinking Classrooms only apply to math?

Where should I start if I am new to Building Thinking Classrooms?

Can RocketPD customize Peter's learning for our district?

Bring Peter's work to your district.

Talk with RocketPD about professional learning for your school or district.