Centering Student Voices PD (Grades K-5)

This in-person professional development session from UCLA Center X invites K-5 educators to explore how centering student voices can transform mathematics instruction from a teacher-directed experience into a dynamic, student-driven learning environment. Participants will engage in creative thinking activities designed to ignite meaningful student-to-student discussions — the kind where ideas spark, thinking grows, and genuine 'aha!' moments take flight across the classroom. The session focuses on practical strategies for making mathematical discourse exciting, collaborative, and accessible for every learner, recognising that when students talk about their mathematical thinking with peers, they develop deeper conceptual understanding and stronger problem-solving skills. Educators will reflect on how to structure classroom conversations so that all students — not just the most confident — have opportunities to share their reasoning, question each other's approaches, and build collective mathematical knowledge. Held at UCLA, this workshop is part of Center X's commitment to transforming public schooling through research-informed, equity-centred professional development.