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

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 deepen their understanding of bansho and boardwork and learn how to use them effectively in their teaching. The 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 considers 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 meet the local needs of students and educational contexts. The contributors also include takeaways and guidance on using bansho in the classroom. Throughout this book, readers are encouraged to sketch boards for their own lessons as they read and to envision bringing those ideas to life with their students.

Both in‑service teachers undertaking professional development and preservice teachers will find this book helpful for their effective practice.

Shirley Tan is a Research Fellow at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands. She is also an adjunct professor at EHL Hospitality Business School, Switzerland.

John Paul Mynott is Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education and Dean for Portfolio and Programme Development at the University of Aberdeen, UK.

Sharon Dotger is Professor in Science Education at Syracuse University, USA. She is also the Faculty Director of Teacher Education and Undergraduate Studies.