Funded by the National Science Foundation
What is RDM?
What We Do
Rough Draft Math (RDM) is a teaching approach that encourages students to share their initial ideas, first attempt at strategies, and rough draft reasoning in a nonjudgmental environment.
It emphasizes the process of revisiting, refining, and revising thinking through collaboration, feedback, and discussion.
RDM has the potential to create a supportive, inclusive classroom environment where every student’s contribution is valued. By shifting the focus from only getting the “right answer” to understanding the process of their own learning, students can gain confidence in their abilities and learn to embrace challenges.
This project is coordinated and led by Dr. Amanda Jansen, author of the book Rough Draft Math: Revising to Learn. We are researchers based out of the University of Delaware dedicated to studying how the process of Rough Draft Math and Rough Draft Thinking impacts student learning, collaboration, and confidence.
Our work focuses on conducting evidence-based research to deepen understanding of RDM practices and their transformative potential in the classroom.
Alongside our research, we strive to provide accessible and actionable resources to help educators implement RDM effectively.
Through bridging research and practice, we aim to empower teachers to create collaborative and growth-oriented classrooms where every students ideas are valued equitably and they feel confident sharing and refining their ideas.