Is Critical Thinking Just a Buzzword in Your Math Action Plans?

Do you say your math program prioritizes critical thinking, but struggle to see it in action across classrooms?

Many districts include critical thinking as part of their math vision. It is a powerful goal and one that prepares students to engage with complex ideas and make thoughtful decisions. However, teams often lack a shared and practical definition of what critical thinking looks like during math learning.

In this episode, we reflect on a powerful moment from the documentary Counted Out. Students analyze exponential growth and challenge one another’s thinking using real math. That scene led us to consider what conditions allow for this kind of deep student thinking. We also explore how beliefs, systems, and instructional choices can either support or limit the development of critical thinking in math classrooms.

If your school or district is working toward greater coherence in your math instruction, this episode offers a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and consider your next steps.

Listeners will:

• Hear how one real classroom brought math-based critical thinking to life through meaningful dialogue and reflection.
• Learn why unclear definitions of “critical thinking” create misalignment across teams.
• Discover practical starting points — like focusing on metacognition — that help build coherence without overwhelming teachers.

Press play to rethink what critical thinking in math actually means — and why it matters more than ever.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units 

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Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.