What Is a Thinking Classroom?

Are your students truly engaged—or simply going through the motions? Research shows that when students take ownership of their learning, participation and comprehension skyrocket. Enter the Thinking Classroom: a revolutionary approach to teaching that transforms students from passive listeners into active problem-solvers.

Developed by Dr. Peter Liljedahl, the Thinking Classroom methodology emphasizes deep cognitive engagement. Instead of sitting quietly and waiting for instruction, students work together to tackle meaningful problems—collaborating, sharing, and learning from one another in real time.

Core Principles of the Thinking Classroom

• Visibly Random Groups – Students work in rotating groups of three, encouraging collaboration and fresh perspectives.
• Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS) – Lessons take place on vertical, erasable surfaces like whiteboards, so students are actively standing, moving, and sharing ideas.
• Defronted Classroom – Gone is the traditional "front" of the classroom; students face one another, move around, and work in all directions.
• Thinking Tasks – Rather than starting with lectures, lessons begin with engaging, problem-solving activities that spark curiosity and critical thinking.

The result? A classroom where students are fully immersed in their learning—collaborating, creating, and thinking deeply.

The Essential Role of the Classroom Environment

A Thinking Classroom is more than just a teaching style—it’s an ecosystem. And like any ecosystem, its success depends on the right environment.

Furniture plays a critical role in fostering collaboration and flexibility. Students need spaces that are easy to rearrange, surfaces that invite brainstorming, and tools that keep them on their feet and engaged.

Without the right classroom setup, implementing these principles can be a challenge. This is where flexible, student-centered furniture becomes essential.

MityBilt’s Vitesse Flip Top Markerboard Tables: Designed for Thinking Classrooms

At MityBilt, we believe that furniture should empower learning, not limit it. That’s why we developed the Vitesse Flip Top Markerboard Table—a dynamic, multi-functional solution purpose-built for the Thinking Classroom.

Key Features & Benefits

• Instant Conversion – With a simple flip, the Vitesse transforms from a flat table into a vertical markerboard, making it ideal for VNPS activities.
• Supports Collaboration – Perfect for standing group work, students can gather, brainstorm, and problem-solve without feeling confined.
• Flexible & Mobile – Easily reconfigure your classroom in minutes. Nesting tables with locking casters make setup and storage effortless.
• Defronted by Design – Break away from traditional layouts. Create clusters, pods, or open collaboration spaces that support student-driven learning.
• Built for Busy Classrooms – Durable, easy-to-clean surfaces withstand the rigors of daily use in active learning environments.

In short: The Vitesse isn’t just furniture—it’s a tool for transformation.

Why It Works

The Vitesse Flip Top Markerboard Table is more than a table—it’s a catalyst for engagement. By supporting standing work, group collaboration, and flexible configurations, it directly aligns with all four key elements of the Thinking Classroom methodology.

Teachers can seamlessly transition between group tasks, class discussions, and individual activities—creating a classroom where students stay engaged, active, and ready to think.

Final Thoughts

A Thinking Classroom is more than a trend—it’s the future of education. By fostering collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, this approach prepares students for success in an ever-changing world.

With MityBilt’s Vitesse Flip Top Markerboard Table, you can bring this vision to life. Transform your classrooms into dynamic, flexible spaces that put students at the center of learning.

Ready to revolutionize your learning environment? Contact MityBilt today to learn more about the Vitesse Flip Top Markerboard Table and our full range of innovative educational furniture.