A Practitioner's Guide to Effective Boardwork for Collaborative Thinking: Using Bansho in the Classroom - Shirley Tan

This is a book for any teacher and teacher educators looking for tools and collaborative teaching methods that can provide an effective method of collaborative sensemaking with students. Bansho is a traditional Japanese board writing practice that has spread beyond Japan, and boardwork is now widespread throughout the world.

Within this volume, readers will grow their understanding of what bansho and boardwork is and they can use it effectively in their teaching. Examples included are from multiple countries, grade levels, and subject areas. It explores how bansho intersects with modern technology, including interactive whiteboards, its potential for broader adoption across educational systems globally, and the development of teacher education programs designed to integrate bansho into pedagogical training. The contributors present case studies and practical examples to shed light on how teachers innovate with bansho in their classrooms and adapt bansho to cater to the local needs of students and educational contexts. The contributors also include practical examples, takeaways and guidance on using bansho in the classroom. Throughout the book, readers are encouraged to sketch boards for their own lessons as they read and to look forward to bringing those ideas to life with their students.

In-service teachers undertaking professional development, as well as pre-service teachers, will find this book helpful for their effective practice.