Podcasts about pbl

In this episode of PBL Simplified for Administrators, Ryan Steuer, CEO of Magnify Learning, addresses the common challenges educational leaders face when implementing Project Based Learning (PBL). The episode explores why PBL can feel overwhelming for teachers and ineffective for students, identifying system gaps and mindset issues as main causes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of sustainable systems, internal supports, and a shift in culture to achieve lasting success with PBL.Main PointsCommon Struggles with PBL: Many educators feel that PBL doesn't work for their students or it is too much for teachers, but these issues usually stem from implementation gaps, not PBL itself.Importance of Systems: Effective PBL requires robust systems that persist beyond individual leaders, ensuring sustainability and consistent results.Student Readiness Myth: Research disproves the myth that students must be "ready" before engaging in PBL; in reality, PBL helps students master foundational skills.Teacher Overload: PBL feels overwhelming when it's treated as an add-on, rather than fully integrated into how schools operate through internal support, shared expectations, and strong leadership modeling.Cultural Transformation: When properly supported, PBL changes school culture, empowering teachers, engaging students, and creating a cycle of continuous improvement.Grassroots Movement: Success comes when everyone—from the leadership team to teachers—shares the vision and commitment to PBL, becoming a self-sustaining force within the school."If the work you're doing doesn't last beyond you, it was never a system.""The research shows that your kids actually need project based learning to master the basics of literacy and math.""What if the implementation just wasn't spot on? What if there's a better way?"Call to ActionReady to transform your school's approach to PBL and create lasting change? Visit magnifypbl.com to take the next step in your PBL journey.

Guiding Question:What if schools created a space for student changemakers to gather, learn, grow, collaborate, innovate, lead and celebrate their work building a bridge to a sustainable future? Key Takeaways:Planting seeds for changemaking in schools Using the Sustainability Compass as a guide to different strands of being a changemaker Creating a sense of unity and belonging for changemakers across Europe at the Düsseldorf conference Building a team through trust, talents and skillsIf you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we'd appreciate it if you could please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. The way the algorithm works, this helps our podcast reach more listeners. Thanks from IC for your support. Check out the conference website Inspire Citizens Student Leader Micro-CredentialLearn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programsConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesAccess free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary On this episode of Empathy to Impact, host Scott Jamieson meets up with grade 11 students Melania, Julia, and Grabriela from the International School of Düsseldorf. These 3 changemakers spearheaded the team at their school as they organized this year's student-led changemaker conference, Bridge to Impact. This is the 5th iteration of this European regional conference with previous hosts, Budapest, Munich, and the founding conferences in Frankfurt. This conference is designed to bring young changemakers together, support them to build skills, and create opportunities for action and collaboration. Be sure to check out next year's conference in Lithuania. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at this year's conference from the perspective of the student leaders who put it all together.Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.

In this episode, Ryan Steuer addresses a common challenge faced by school leaders: “We've already done Project Based Learning (PBL), but it's not working.” Drawing on real case studies and over a decade of experience, Ryan explores why initial PBL efforts often stall and what it takes to create a sustainable, high-quality PBL system. He discusses the difference between surface-level implementation and authentic, empowering PBL practice, and offers actionable guidance for leaders to build systems that last, drive engagement, and achieve meaningful student outcomes.Main PointsMany schools have invested in PBL training, but often see limited or short-lived impact, lacking authentic engagement and student empowerment.A common pitfall is focusing on process—forms, rubrics, and end products—without prioritizing authenticity, real-world relevance, and community partnerships.Authentic PBL demands robust, meaningful interactions with community partners, not just presentations to peers and teachers.Success in PBL requires a system at every level—district, school, and classroom—that fosters ongoing reflection, innovation, leadership alignment, and internal teacher capacity.To grow a culture of sustained excellence in PBL, schools need to build internal support and leadership, including PBL-certified teachers who can onboard new staff and lead professional development.The ultimate goal is for schools to operate independently, continually innovating and improving PBL practices without reliance on outside trainers.“If you've already done PBL and your classrooms aren't producing lights out, newsworthy end products, it's probably because you're missing community partner engagement and you're lacking a system that understands what high quality, authentic project based learning should look like.”"You don't have a PBL process problem—you have an authenticity problem and a systems problem.""If it doesn't last without you, it was never really a system. It was your passion. But I want you to have a system, a system that works without you."Call to ActionReady to move from “we've already done PBL” to authentic, sustainable project-based learning? Visit magnifypbl.com to access resources and take the next step in building a high-impact PBL system for your school or district.

Autorijden wordt tegen 2030 nog véél duurder dankzij Europese CO2-beprijzing (blijkt uit PBL-onderzoek). Verder maakt Lynk & Co er een behoorlijke puinhoop van in Nederland, de Audi Q9 is voor het eerst in vol ornaat (maar nog wel gecamoufleerd) te zien, Lotus gooit het roer om en kondigt een hybride V8-supercar aan en Wouter test de EX60 (wat typisch een Volvo blijkt te zijn). Over deze podcast Breek de week is een midweekse podcast waarin de makers van De Nationale Autoshow je bijpraten over het wel en wee in de autowereld. Een nieuwe aflevering verschijnt uiterlijk woensdagochtend in je favoriete podcastapp. Over de makers Meindert Schut is journalist, dagvoorzitter en hoofdredacteur van zakenblad Quote. Hij is autoliefhebber en al meer dan 15 jaar de vaste presentator van De Nationale Autoshow. Meindert rijdt in een Volvo en hij heeft ook een Porsche 911 in bezit. Wouter Karssen is één van de oprichters van Autoblog.nl en sinds het najaar van 2011 medepresentator van De Nationale Autoshow. Hij is vaak onderweg om de nieuwste auto's te testen en deelt graag zijn scherpe mening. Ook Wouter rijdt in een Porsche 911. Noud Broekhof is journalist en verantwoordelijk voor De Nationale Autoshow. Hij verzorgt de auto- en mobiliteitsupdates in de BNR Ochtendspits en presenteert de midweekse Breek de week-podcast. Noud rijdt Volvo en heeft ook een Volkswagen Up. Contact Heb je een vraag of wil je gewoon reageren? Dat kan! Mail naar: autoshow@bnr.nl Of reageer via: X, Instagram en Spotify!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think you need a full project-based learning unit to bring real-world math into your classroom?You don't.In this episode, we're breaking down how to start with smaller, meaningful project experiences—without overhauling your entire curriculum or spending hours planning.

If you have followed my blog for any amount of time, you’ll know that I am a huge proponent of project based learning (or PBL for short). I have a PBL hub with articles and resources you can access. I conduct PBL workshops, keynotes, and... The post When Should We Avoid Implementing PBL? appeared first on Spencer Education.

Big Ideas In Education 237: A Guide to Project-Based Learning with Bob Lenz and Dr. Lisa Mireles This week, Ryan sits with Bob Lenz, CEO of PBL Works and Dr. Lisa Mireles, Managing Director of Digital Curriculum of PBL Works, to announce their new book “Project Based Learning For All: A Leader's Guide” from PBLWorks. The book offers a guide for educators to create a gold standard PBL in their classrooms and schools. They discuss what project-based learning is, how to garner support, training teachers and staff to apply this model, how success is measured, and more. Tune in! Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasInEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Laura Blanco 

In this episode of PBL Simplified, host Ryan welcomes Dr. Jim Van Allan, co-author of Energy Bus for Schools, to explore how school culture drives meaningful transformation. Jim shares the origin story behind adapting Jon Gordon's Energy Bus framework for education and explains why culture—not programs—is the foundation of successful schools. The conversation dives into the difference between authentic positivity and “toxic positivity,” emphasizing the importance of acknowledging real challenges while maintaining a solution-oriented mindset. Jim highlights a common leadership pitfall—lack of consistency—and explains how sustained vision and follow-through are critical to long-term success. Through real-world examples, including a turnaround story from a struggling elementary school, listeners see how intentional culture-building can dramatically improve attendance, engagement, and morale. The episode also tackles staff negativity, offering practical strategies like team-building and structured communication to strengthen relationships. Jim reinforces that empowering educators and fostering collaboration ultimately benefits students. The discussion closes with actionable advice for leaders: prioritize shared identity, build strong connections, and create consistent opportunities—like assemblies—to bring school communities together. Main Topics & Discussion Building School Culture Through Leadership [0:00] Toxic Positivity vs. Authentic Positivity [3:50] Common Leadership Mistakes (Inconsistency) [6:43] Real School Transformation Story [10:17] Addressing Staff Negativity & Team Building [13:37] Protecting Leader Energy Through Delegation [18:44] Classroom Impact & Student Outcomes [22:33] Practical Culture-Building Strategies (Assemblies, Shared Identity) [28:16] Host & Show InfoHost Name: Ryan SteuerAbout the Host: Ryan is an education leader and advocate for project-based learning (PBL), dedicated to helping schools create student-centered environments. Through his work with Magnify Learning, he supports educators and administrators in building innovative systems grounded in strong culture and meaningful instruction.Podcast Website: https://magnifypbl.com/category/pbl-simplified-podcast/ Community & Calls to Action Explore resources at EnergyBusForSchools.com Connect with Jim Van Allan on social media Instagram: @JimVanAllan | @EnergyBusSchools X: @JimVanAllan | @EnergyBusSchool LinkedIn: Jim Van Allan www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jim-van-allan-0087646 Visit model schools to see culture in action Rate and review the podcast to support other leaders

Guiding Question:How might hosting a regional student leadership conference create opportunities for growth and collaboration for student leaders at your school?Key Takeaways:Setting students up for leadership successCreating opportunities for students to get a glimpse into the real world through their leadership experiencesOpportunities to inspire that go beyond just growth as a leaderIf you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we'd appreciate it if you could please us a review on your favorite podcast platform. The way the algorithm works, this helps our podcast reach more listeners. Thanks from IC for your support. Inspire Citizens Student Leader Micro-Credential Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programsConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesAccess free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary On this episode of Empathy to Impact, host Scott Jamieson meets up with students Sylia, Shireen, Yasmine, Sarah, and Mohamed, high school student leaders from GWA in Morocco. These students were the hosts of the first regional Inspired Student Leadership Conference in Casablanca, Morocco. 75 students from 5 schools in Morocco came together to collaborate, develop new skills and grow as leaders in January 2026. The conference was designed to support student leaders to lead with purpose and impact. Join us to hear more about the conference experience directly from the students.Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.

This episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast centers on the transformative power of professional networks in driving successful Project Based Learning (PBL) implementation. Host Ryan Steuer introduces the launch of PBL Networks, a platform designed to connect innovative educational leaders who are actively working to reshape schools through PBL. He emphasizes that while conferences provide valuable knowledge, it is the relationships and ongoing collaboration that truly move initiatives forward. Ryan highlights real-world success stories, including a CTE leader who built a thriving entrepreneurial center where students secure high-paying jobs and win competitive business challenges. The episode underscores how learning from experienced practitioners can help leaders avoid common pitfalls and accelerate implementation. Listeners are encouraged to leverage shared insights, resources, and roundtable discussions within these networks to make informed decisions and build sustainable programs. Ultimately, the episode reinforces the idea that systemic educational change requires collaboration among forward-thinking leaders. By connecting innovators and fostering shared learning, PBL Networks aims to scale impactful practices and support the broader goal of widespread PBL adoption in schools. Main Topics & Discussion Topic #1 [0:00] – The real value of conferences: relationships over contentTopic #2 [1:15] – Introduction to PBL Networks and their purposeTopic #3 [2:04] – Success story: building a high-impact CTE entrepreneurial centerTopic #4 [3:43] – Avoiding common implementation mistakes through shared experienceTopic #5 [5:27] – Access to resources, funding strategies, and certification successTopic #6 [7:07] – Vision for scaling PBL through connected innovators Community & Calls to Action Join the network: pblnetworks.com Subscribe to the PBL Networks podcast Participate in roundtables and access archived resources Rate and review the podcast to support other school leaders Connect with fellow innovators to drive meaningful change in education

The post How to Be Proactive About Classroom Management in PBL appeared first on Spencer Education.

Katie Minihan, Chief Impact Officer of Project Lead The Way (PLTW), shares why engagement might be the missing metric in education and how students who solve real-world problems through hands-on, collaborative learning see stronger attendance, achievement, and long-term outcomes.School and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness for kids from elementary to high school. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders, they've spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge, transferable skills, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships, and best-in-class teacher training. PLTW's partnerships with industry leaders, universities, and other nonprofits ensures the curriculum stays at the cutting edge and mirrors modern workforce realities of today, while also building the lifelong skills needed for tomorrow. Check out the Success Stories of PLTW alumni in their careers pltw.org/experience-pltw/national-awards/awards Connect with Katie & PLTW:Website: pltw.orgX/Twitter: @PLTWorgYouTube: @TeamPLTWInstagram: @pltworgFacebook: @pltworgKatie's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/catherine-minihanChris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:Website: dailystem.comTwitter/X: @dailystemInstagram: @dailystemYouTube: @dailystemGet Chris's book Daily STEM on AmazonSupport the show

Guiding Question:How might we create opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills while cultivating a sense of belonging for new students and new families in our school communities?Key Takeaways:Identifying skills and attributes essential for student leadersDeveloping student driven processes and procedures in our leadership programsHow leadership opportunities help students to exemplify learner profile attributes. The importance of a growth mindset in leadership If you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we'd appreciate it if you could please us a review on your favorite podcast platform. The way the algorithm works, this helps our podcast reach more listeners. Thanks from IC for your support. Inspire Citizens Student Leader Micro-Credential Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programsConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesAccess free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary On this episode of Empathy to Impact, host Scott Jamieson meets up with Student Ambassador Leaders from West Island School in Hong Kong. Students Alessandra, Aria, Brandon, Jasmine, Teah, and Claire share their personal leadership stories and why being a leader is important to them. We discuss their roles and responsibilities as student leaders, what skills and attributes are important for leaders, and how their work helps to create a sense of belonging for new students and families who come to their school. These students also talk about how their work as leaders creates opportunities to exemplify learner profile attributes, and to cultivate a growth mindset. If you are thinking about how best to support and empower student leaders at your school, you are in the right place. Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.

Guiding Question:Why is it important for students go begin projects involving service learning and community engagement with relationship building?Key Takeaways:Building relationships with a local school and working with them to address vision challenges of students to reduce barriers to learning and improve as student outcomes.Community partnerships - In this case, collaborating with a local optometrist. Engaging in social entrepreneurship to generate funds for the project. Resilience, perseverance, and staying positive as important at attributes of changemakers. Living your school values through service learning.If you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we'd appreciate it if you could please us a review on your favorite podcast platform. The way the algorithm works, this helps our podcast reach more listeners. Thanks from IC for your support. Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programsConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesMeasuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives Access free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary On this episode of Empathy to Impact, host Scott Jamieson visits Colegio George Washington in Cartagena, Colombia to speak with 9th grade students Miranda and Fiorella about their 8th grade service-learning project, which identified widespread vision problems in the nearby, vulnerable community of Manzanillo Del Mar. After researching visual health, partnering with an optometrist for screenings, and fundraising through a student-run waffle sale and contributions, the class provided personalized glasses to children in need, formed meaningful cross-community friendships (most notably with a girl named Aslyn), and learned practical skills—problem solving, persistence, empathy, and cooperation—that prepared them for more complex high-school projects while reinforcing their school values and the lasting impact of community-centered learning.Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.

In this leadership episode, Ryan sits down with Mitch Weisburgh to explore Mind Shifting — a brain-based framework designed to help educators and leaders develop resourcefulness, resilience, and constructive collaboration. If you lead a school or district, this episode digs into: Emotional regulation under pressure Conflict resolution styles Brain science behind stress and decision-making How to create long-term engagement and agency in staff and students The conversation connects directly to PBL environments, where collaboration, innovation, and engagement are essential. What Is Mind Shifting? Mitch defines Mind Shifting as the ability to intentionally move from reactive survival thinking to resourceful, solution-focused thinking. It consists of three core elements: 1. Resourcefulness Recognizing when you're “stuck” or emotionally triggered Quieting the reactive brain (limbic system) Accessing executive function for critical thinking, innovation, and connection Helping students co-regulate and self-direct When leaders stay resourceful, they model it for staff and students. 2. Resilience Resilience isn't “pushing through failure.” It's removing the concept of failure altogether. Instead: Try something. Gather information. Adjust. Mitch shares the story of a Finnish superintendent who didn't view initiatives as failures — only experiments that produced data. Key shift:From “Did this work?”To “What did we learn?” 3. Conflict & Collaboration Conflict is inevitable. The question is how we use it. Mitch explains five conflict resolution styles: Compete – “Do it because I said so.” Accommodate – Giving the other person what they want. Avoid – Delay or disengage. Compromise – Both sides give up something. Collaborate – Expand the solution to meet both parties' needs. No style is inherently wrong.Effective leaders are flexible and intentional. True long-term change requires collaboration — especially in PBL environments. The Brain Science Behind It When stressed: The limbic system activates. Cortisol and adrenaline flood the brain. Logical thinking decreases. Defensiveness increases. You cannot reason someone out of a survival state. This applies to: Students Teachers Administrators Skeptical staff Regulation first. Logic second. The Sage Mindset for Leaders In chaotic weeks (which every principal knows well), Mitch recommends adopting a Sage Perspective: Step 1: Is This Really Important? Apply the Pareto Principle: 20% of issues = 80% of impact Don't overinvest in low-impact frustrations Step 2: Identify the Gift Every challenge offers one of three gifts: Gift of Learning – What did I learn? Gift of Practice – What skill did I practice? Gift of Intention – What action will this trigger? That action could be: A personal reset/reward A collaborative discussion A strategic adjustment This reframes stress into growth. Strength-Based Feedback: The CASES Framework Mitch shares a structure used in Finland called CASES: C – Context (What happened, factually) A – Action (What the person did) S – Strength (What positive trait showed up) E – Effect (Impact of the action) S – Step Forward (Collaboratively decide next move) It shifts discipline from confrontation to development. The key: Practice it until fluent.You won't access structure in the heat of the moment without rehearsal. Application in PBL Environments Ryan reflects on how: High-trust classrooms allow occasional “compete” moments. Emotional regulation prevents power struggles. Psychological safety enables challenge and growth. Agency lowers cortisol. In Magnify Learning PBL workshops: Clear outcomes reduce anxiety. Chunked steps prevent overwhelm. Participant-driven “Need to Know” sessions build ownership. Brain science explains why this works. How to Handle Skeptics You don't debate them. When people are in survival mode: Stress hormones block logic. Evidence won't land. Instead: Frame mind shifting as a way to improve critical thinking and perseverance. Let personal realization happen naturally. Focus on student outcomes first. People buy in when they see themselves in the process. Practical Takeaways for School Leaders Emotional regulation is leadership currency. You model the nervous system of your building. Collaboration builds long-term commitment. Conflict can produce better solutions — if handled intentionally. Practice structured communication before you need it. Agency lowers fear. Resilience = experimentation, not perfection. Resources and links: MindShifting with Mitch newsletter: https://mindshiftingwithmitch.blog/ MindShifting with Mitch website: https://www.mindshiftingwithmitch.com/ Book: MindShifting, Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success: https://a.co/d/242NDWd Book: MindShifting, Conflict and Collaboration https://a.co/d/7sve5d0 MindShifting Courses: https://events.humanitix.com/host/mitchell-weisburgh Mitch's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mweisburgh/ Mitch's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weisburghm/ Mitch's X: https://x.com/weisburghm

Not the PBL...

Recorded- February 26, 2026 Uploaded- February 28, 2026   A busy week in the news. Staten Island has a completely new look and a new vision for the future. The CBL goes back to its roots, while we get big details on the Big House Ballgame. And the PBL goes double wide.

Guiding Question:How might schools empower students by giving them more agency in their learning and evolving curricula to better reflect their needs and interests? Key Takeaways:Strengthening collaboration through building more effective teams The future of education is not one size fits allLeaning in to AI - AI is a good collaborator, but is not a good leader. And it's not cheating.If you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we'd appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. The way the algorithm works, this helps our podcast reach more listeners. Thanks from IC for your support. Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programsJoin the community at What School Could BeCheck out Role Color FinderConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesMeasuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives Access free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary On this episode, I talk to Sanjay, a high school freshman and CEO of Role Color Finder. Join us as we as we discuss how this tool can help us to learn about our strengths as leaders and build stronger collaborations within our teams. Sanjay also shares his thoughts on the future of education and how AI might support schools to move away from a one size fits all approach to a more personalized model of learning that will lead to greater student agency and engagement in schools. If you are thinking about identifying strengths, AI's role in education, student engagement and wellbeing and managing unsustainable workloads for students and educators, or maybe something out-of-the-box like having angel investors to support young, aspiring entrepreneurs in schools, this podcast for you.Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.

Rob Jetten is met 38 jaar de jongste premier uit de Nederlandse geschiedenis, maar hij begint met een enorme politieke gok. In deze aflevering analyseren Maarten van Rossem en Tom Jessen de start van kabinet-Jetten I. Is de honger naar de macht groter dan de realiteitszin van de nieuwe premier? En kan dit minderheidskabinet van D66, VVD en CDA de torenhoge ambities waarmaken zonder meerderheid in de Kamers?Na jaren van politieke stilstand belooft premier Jetten "grote doorbraken". De plannen zijn ambitieus: Nederland van het stikstofslot halen, de bouw van vele nieuwe woningen en een miljardeninjectie voor defensie. Maar de prijs is hoog. Om dit te betalen, zet het kabinet het mes in de zorg en de sociale zekerheid.De honger naar de macht was groot, maar de prijs die Jetten betaalt is fors. Hoewel hij spreekt over "grote doorbraken", laten de kille cijfers van het CPB en het PBL een ander beeld zien. De langverwachte doorrekening is een koude douche voor de coalitie: de stikstofdoelen worden niet gehaald, de armoede stijgt en de koopkracht van de laagste inkomens staat onder water.De D66-premier moet beleid verkopen dat rechtstreeks uit de koker van de VVD lijkt te komen. Maarten en Tom vragen zich af of dit geen politieke zelfmoord is. We bespreken: - De historische beëdiging van de jongste premier ooit.- De gewaagde bezuinigingen van 16 miljard op zorg en uitkeringen.- De haalbaarheid van de stikstofplannen en de woningbouw.- De wankele politieke basis: regeren met een minderheidskabinet.- Het vertrek van BBB-mevrouw Caroline van der Plas als lijsttrekker.Kijk deze podcast hier met beeld.

Dit is de gehele uitzending van dr Kelder en Co waar Jort Kelder belt met Jimmy Dijk (SP) over sancties tegen Iran én over het verhogen van het eigen risico door Jetten I. Prof. dr. Sweder van Wijnbergen reageert op de nieuwe heffingen van Trump en de doorrekening van het coalitieakkoord door het CPB en PBL. De jonge dr. Anne van Mourik heeft onderzoek gedaan naar het fenomeen 'honger' in Duitse schoolboeken (1914-2020) en hoe dat als propaganda is gebruikt.  Prof. dr. Christiaan Vinkers heeft een boek geschreven 'Littekens uit je jeugd' over jeugdtrauma's en hoe we die zouden kunnen voorkomen of genezen.   

What if student behavior problems, burnout, and disengagement aren't discipline issues… but brain issues? In this powerful leadership episode, Ryan sits down with Dr. Lisa Riegel—author, neuroscientist, and education innovator—to explore how brain science, motivation, and belonging intersect with Project Based Learning. Lisa explains why today's students seem “different,” how stress shuts down learning, and why schools must shift from compliance to psychological safety, relevance, and identity-based belonging if they want real engagement. If you're leading a PBL shift, this episode will give you a science-backed roadmap for how to get humans—not just systems—to move. What You'll Learn Why executive function and motivation are declining in students How stress literally turns off the thinking brain The “expectancy-value” equation behind student motivation Why voice and choice unlock engagement at a neurological level How collective identity drives belonging and behavior Why adult culture must change before student culture can How to lead innovation without triggering fear-based resistance Why soft skills are the new currency of career readiness How AI is changing what it means to be “educated” Big Ideas from the Episode

Guiding Question:How might we empower our students by giving them freedom and agency to explore local issues that they are passionate about and utilize their public speaking skills to connect with local policy makers to raise awareness and inspire change?Key Takeaways:A different take on service learning and advocacy to raise awareness about important issues in our local community through public speaking.Modeling best practices in PBL by presenting work to an authentic audience.Using service learning as a vehicle to get to know more about our local community.How service learning experiences build essential skills and mindsets that shape students' next steps as they move on from high school by giving them real-world experience.   If you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we'd appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. The way the algorithm works, this helps our podcast reach more listeners. Thanks from IC for your support. Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programsLearn more about the amazing service learning program at COJOWAConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesMeasuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives Access free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary On this episode, I meet Matilde, Dominique, Laura, Marianna, Sophia, & Miguel, an amazing group of seniors from Colegio Jorge Washington (COJOWA) in Cartagena, Colombia. These students were involved in a service learning project where they had the freedom and agency to choose a topic important to them that impacts their local community. This was an interdisciplinary project that was part of their Spanish language and sociales (Spanish social studies) classes that involved public speaking. Their job was to create a speech to inspire change in their community and to add a level of authenticity, the final speeches were delivered to influential members of their community, including the mayor and local media. These students were the finalists from their class selected to give their speech to these important policymakers, as well as fellow students and members of the school community, allowing them to reach a large audience and advocate for an issue that they care about. Hit play to learn more.Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.

“A recent study examined emotional intelligence scores from 28,000 adults across 166 countries and uncovered an alarming trend: global emotional intelligence has dropped nearly six per cent between 2019 and 2024.”- Read more here from The Conversation Guiding Question:How might taking a systems approach to social emotional learning and global citizenship education create opportunities to live your school mission, and shape the future of education?  Key Takeaw ays:We have standards and learning outcomes in other academic subjects, so why not in SEL?Resources, frameworks, and professional learning opportunities from ISCA.Next steps for your school to enhance SEL and GCED.If you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we'd appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. The way the algorithm works, this helps our podcast reach more listeners. Thanks from IC for your support. Connect with Kristine Mizzone and ISCADownload a free copy of the ISCA Student Standards Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programsConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesMeasuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives Access free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary On this episode we do something just a little bit different. Our mission for our podcast is to feature students and give them a voice and a platform to share their work as global citizens and changemakers. On this episode, we have an adult guest on the podcast. Kristine Mizzone from ISCA joins me to unpack the intersection of social emotional learning (SEL) and global citizenship education (GCED), how schools need to take a systems approach to this, and why this work is essential for the future of education. Join us to learn how your school can take important next steps to support and empower the students in your care.Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.

Tired of students constantly asking "What do I do next?" or aimlessly bouncing between tasks during work time? In this episode, I unpack one of the most common frustrations educators face when trying to promote student agency—learners who simply don't know how to manage themselves. I share a practical tool that changed everything for our classroom: the Self-Direction Rubric. It's a simple, structured approach that helps students develop essential executive functioning skills—from time management to self-monitoring—without you needing to hover. Learn how our Montessori middle school students went from floundering in our 90-minute "work cycle" unstructured time—getting distracted, procrastinating, and relying on us for constant direction, to tracking their growth, identifying their own learning habits, and setting meaningful goals. You'll learn: Why most students aren't ready for full autonomy—and how to meet them where they are The 5 self-direction domains that matter more than completing a to-do list How rubrics help students monitor impulse control, goal setting, planning, and reflection A simple weekly routine that builds self-directed behaviors over time How this shift moves the student-teacher relationship from compliance to coaching Whether you're running PBL, giving open project blocks, or managing a flexible classroom schedule, this tool helps you scaffold student agency without sacrificing structure.

Recorded- December 23, 2025 Uploaded- December 24, 2025   The conclusion to episode 353. We discuss the PBL schedule and some big moves around the coaching carousel. 

Tired of watching student teams burn out mid-project? Or seeing the same student take charge while others fade into the background? In this episode, I share a simple but powerful strategy that reinvigorated our year-long student-run business: rotating roles. You'll hear how a single shift—letting students try on new responsibilities—rebalanced workloads, re-energized participation, and fostered deeper collaboration and skill growth. Through the story of our Montessori middle school café project, you'll hear how rotating a fatigued marketing manager into product development not only reignited his excitement, but sparked new momentum across the entire team. You'll learn: Why rotating roles prevents burnout, apathy, and imbalance in student teams 4 simple, flexible roles you can apply to any PBL experience How role rotation supports fairer assessment, stronger collaboration, and broader skill-building Quick examples for applying this in an urban garden, student podcast, or playground redesign Why this small shift keeps projects moving forward—without constant teacher intervention Whether you're guiding 6th graders through their first group inquiry or facilitating interdisciplinary projects with high schoolers, this episode will equip you with one of the easiest changes you can make… that delivers outsized results.

In this episode of PBL Simplified for Administrators, Ryan Steuer breaks down how school and district leaders can intentionally plan and sustain a Project Based Learning (PBL) movement—without waiting for the “perfect time” or burning out their staff. This is a practical, leadership-focused roadmap for turning PBL from a few isolated classrooms into a lasting system-wide shift.

Guiding Question:How might we give students a voice in how we celebrate cultural diversity in our school communities?Key Takeaways:The importance of student voice and agency in designing whole school eventsCelebrating culture through learning, perspective taking, and shared experiencesUnexpected sources of inspirationA student perspective on the New Metrics from Melbourne University If you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we'd appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. The way the algorithm works, this helps our podcast reach more listeners. Thanks from IC for your support. Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programsConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesMeasuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives Access free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary On this episode, I meet Alejandra from Yeronga State High School in Queensland, Australia. Alejandra, who, along with her classmate, Tony, are in Year 9 and junior school captains at their school. They played an integral role in a community celebration of culture at their school, Yeronga Celebrates, that takes place every other year. Join us as we talk about this exciting event, the role that she played, and how all of this connects with the New Metrics.Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.

What separates a top 10% school from the other 90%? In this episode, Ryan lays out the habits, systems, and mindsets that high-performing, innovative schools share—and the traps they refuse to touch. You'll hear why visiting model PBL schools is a game-changer, what visionary principals actually do differently, and how you can start moving your school into that top tier without waiting for summer PD. Key Topics Covered Why You Shouldn't Wait Until Summer to Start PBL Leaders get stuck thinking they should “start PBL next year.” Ryan breaks down why the second semester is the smartest launchpad and how to get your leadership team trained now so teacher PD in the summer actually sticks. What You Experience at a Top 10% School Ryan explains why stepping into a top-tier PBL school feels different—teachers talk differently, students use real-world vocabulary like collaboration and conflict resolution, and the culture is unmistakably student-centered. Lessons from Model Schools From solar-powered Babcock Ranch in Florida to standout campuses across Missouri, Texas, Indiana, Kentucky, and beyond, Ryan highlights what visiting high-performing PBL schools will teach you about culture, process, and leadership clarity. The Mindset of a Top 10% Principal What do innovative leaders fear most? Hint: it's not test scores. Ryan shares an interview with principal Cynthia Bruno, who says her biggest fear is students having ordinary school days—an unacceptable outcome for a true top-tier leader. What Top 10% Schools Do ✔ Build a strong leadership team Assistant principals, coaches, and teachers collaborate to shape and spread the vision. ✔ Use instructional coaches intentionally Not data clerks—actual co-teachers and PD leaders. ✔ Create a written 3-year vision If it's not written, it's not real. ✔ Protect their calendar with fierce precision Deep work blocks. Limited weekend labor. No white-space for chaos. ✔ Develop systems that outlive the leader So the school thrives even when leadership changes. What Top 10% Schools Don't Do ✘ Sit-and-get faculty meetings Logistical items go in the newsletter—meetings are for collaboration and learning. ✘ Fixed mindset thinking Problems are solvable. Kids can grow. Systems can improve. Period. ✘ Hide in the office High-level leaders are visible, affirming, and vision-casting in classrooms daily. Practical Takeaways for Leaders If you want a top 10% school, you can't behave like the 90%. Build leadership capacity before summer. Visit innovative schools—they'll change your vision instantly. Anchor everything in a clear, simple, repeatable vision. Protect your time so you can do the meaningful work. Call to Action If you're ready to launch PBL with clarity and momentum, check out the on-demand and in-person webinars at pblwebinar.com. And if you want to visit a model PBL school, we can help you connect with one in your region.

Episode Notes Alec Patton talks to teacher High School teacher Karen Shaffran and student Alegria Vargas about how their class created a socially conscious cosmetics business, featuring products made from plants grown hydroponically in a storage room! Every other week, we publish a newsletter with great resources like this one, sign up for it here! Listen to our podcast miniseries about Cheltenham High School's PBL program here See photos from the PBL Farmacy Project here Click here to learn more about the High Tech High Graduate School of Education

In this episode, Ryan shares the honest, often-overlooked reasons school leaders struggle to launch Project Based Learning—even when everyone knows it works. Whether you're wrestling with teacher buy-in, traditional systems, or shifting school culture, this episode breaks down the five biggest barriers and gives you practical ways to overcome them. What We Cover 1. Wrong pitch, wrong audience Most PBL rollouts fail at hello. Innovators, early adopters, and the early majority need different invitations. You can't pitch the same way to everyone and expect momentum. 2. Traditional education inertia is real We've operated in a traditional learning model for over a century. It's comfortable, predictable, and familiar. PBL requires pushing a giant cultural boulder—but there is a way to move it. 3. Teachers are trained, but leaders aren't ready When instructional practices evolve but evaluation, systems, and PD don't, teachers eventually retreat back to what's safe. PBL collapses when leadership isn't aligned and trained. 4. Leaders are trained, but teachers aren't equipped Top-down mandates always fail. Ryan explains how to build a “grassroots movement” where teachers ask for PBL—without forcing it. 5. They don't know how awesome PBL really is When educators visit authentic PBL schools, witness the culture shift, talk to students, and see the engagement—everything changes. Most resistance is lack of exposure. Key Takeaways Buy-in isn't about convincing—it's about invitations. PBL fails when leadership, teachers, and systems aren't aligned. Traditional learning inertia is strong, but it can be redirected. The best way to grow PBL isn't mandates—it's movement-building. When educators see PBL done well, they want in. Real-World Examples Mentioned Building internal PBL systems in Missouri and Ohio Site visits to PBL model schools like Rise Elementary and Columbus, Indiana How schools see immediate improvements in: Engagement Attendance Discipline Test scores Connect With Ryan: ryan@magnifypbl.com

Simon Holzapfel, the CFO and Co-founder of Leaf Lab, joins the podcast to share his experience in education, leadership, and business, describing himself as a "PBL fanboy". Simon asserts that PBL was the heart of education because it caused the learning to bond to something other than just the head, such as the body or heart, making the subject matter truly matter. He clarifies the crucial distinction between progressive education—which offers specific forms of scaffolding and flexible structure—and the dangerous lack of structure found in permissive education. Simon offers insights on avoiding leadership mistakes, managing burnout, and the sustainable implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL). He details how Leaf Lab partners with schools to use real-world problems from local companies to provide students with a digital portfolio and two professional certifications. Main Points PBL is Foundational Learning: Simon has been a PBL supporter since watching his dad teach project-based inservices in the eighties. He states that PBL was the thing and that PBL is actually how humans just learn best because it lets the "full spectrum bulb" of humanness be necessary to the learning. Defining Progressive Education: Simon notes that the progressive ed movement in America now is still not totally clear on the difference between progressive and permissive. Progressive education involves building young people for the future by providing specific forms of scaffolding targets and a structure that's flexible. PBL, in contrast to the permissive fear that it means "whatever, man," requires structures, processes, and instructional models. The Leaf Lab Model: Leaf Lab is a highly structured but flexibly scaffolded environment. The lab's PBL model is designed specifically for local companies to bring small back burner problems to their school's lab. This directly helps capacity-constrained companies by having smart college students work with young entrepreneurs in their twenties or thirties. Student Outcomes and Professional Life: The lab rejects the idea that an outdated standard of care should affect any kid's path to a professional life. Each kid exits the lab with precisely that digital portfolio and two professional certifications to show employers they solved a project using specific tools. PBL Sustainability and Vision: Leaf Lab partners with public schools, high schools, and college universities globally to bring PBL to life. For sustainability, the partnership model focuses on building up the school's own people and systems. The work is how educators have "always wanted to lead". Simon believes there is a very specific wellness case to be made for PBL, as it stops school from "sucking" for kids and makes it relatable. Takeaways Leadership Team is Non-Negotiable: A school leader must understand how much a good leadership team is the only thing that's going to make it work. It's about the team. The mistake is thinking you can be the only leadership team. Avoid Key Implementation Mistakes: Simon lists mistakes he made that are common: going too fast, and not building the team first (or not aligning the team). If you don't have a team when trying to do something different, "you're toast". Measure Success by Community Values: Innovation efforts should be measured using metrics dependent upon what the community values. A specific metric is asking parents, "Has your kids smiled yet in going to school?" and taking pictures of the child smiling as evidence that something is working. Lead with Service and Integrity: If you are going to be an authentic service leader, serve your opponents harder than your fans. Additionally, do not allow other people's feelings and comfort to be the bottleneck to your student's future. Communicate Change Effectively: When speaking to the board, leaders should anchor their arguments in local economic development and should prioritize speaking about child well-being to overcome antiquated mindsets.

Guiding Question:How might we empower students to take the lead on sustainability initiatives within our school community?Key Takeaways:Climate action in our own school communities starting with becoming more deeply aware by quantifying our carbon footprint Measuring impact: 6 important data points for schools to considerThe importance of direct service opportunities for students Approaching challenges like the climate crisis with a growth mindset If you have enjoyed this podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also we'd appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. The way the algorithm works, this helps our podcast reach more listeners. Thanks from IC for your support. Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programsConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesMeasuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives Access free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary On this episode, I meet Huy, Leia, & David, high school students at St. Joseph's Institution International. These students are part of a CCA at their school called Sustainability Squad. Sustainability Squad is a well-established CCA that works to lead sustainability initiatives within their school community. In our conversation, learn how these students, and other members of their squad, have done something quick remarkable. They have quantified their carbon footprint by gathering data and worked with the WWF to build skills to effectively lead initiatives in an effort to achieve quantifiable, measurable impact on reducing their school community's carbon footprint. How might this work be integrated into teaching and learning in our schools and how might your students become actively involved with this work in your school community? Listen to learn more.Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.

In this episode, Ryan shares his firsthand experience visiting Calvert County's Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, where Project-Based Learning (PBL) and hands-on technical education intersect to create incredible outcomes for students. The visit highlights how authentic projects, structured pedagogy, and real-world experiences are transforming student engagement and post-graduation success. Ryan explores how CTE teachers—often experts from the professional world—are empowered through PBL frameworks to deliver deeper learning and stronger instructional design, creating classrooms that mirror real workplaces.

In this episode, Ryan Steuer breaks down why employability skills—communication, collaboration, problem solving, and agency—are what truly prepare students for life beyond school. Drawing from his business background and classroom experience, Ryan connects how PBL builds the exact skills employers and communities say they need. He challenges school leaders to move beyond test prep and toward preparing learners for the real world—where teamwork and adaptability win every time.

If you have enjoyed the podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. The way the algorithm works, this helps our podcast reach more listeners. Thanks from IC for your support. Considering professional development? Inspire Citizens Global Citizenship Certificate courses launch November 30! Click to learn more and register for these impactful programs.Connect sustainability, service learning, economics, mathematics and data science in Sriya's interactive simulation Grow All WealthCheck out Mia‘s book, A Blueprint for Saving the Planet, and Sriya's book, Being the OneEmpower students to pursue their ideas with the UAE Changemakers Collaborative and listen to their podcastInvolve your school or host your own conference as part of the Global Issues Network Share using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary I first connected with Mia and Sriya when they were keynote speakers at the Toddle Service Learning Summit last fall, and was very inspired by all they have accomplished as changemakers. Sriya is currently a senior at ASD in Dubai and Mia is a senior at the International School of Amsterdam. Listen to hear what sparked their changemaker journey and what advice they have for leading projects and empowering global citizens at your school.Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.

 Feeling stuck, bored, or burned out with traditional teaching? This episode will help you reclaim your spark with the PBL Rockstar Mindset—a powerful mindset shift that makes project based learning feel possible, empowering, and fun again.The PBL Rockstar Mindset: Reclaim Confidence, Creativity, and Joy in Math Class It's time to stop playing small and start teaching math in a way that lights you up.This episode shares what it means to have the PBL Rockstar Mindset—and how to bring project based learning to life in your math class without stress or perfection.

In this leadership episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast for Administrators, host Ryan Steuer sits down with David Richards — founder of Growth Public Schools, Changemaker Micro Schools, and host of the Changemaker EDU podcast. David shares his journey from corporate banking to education entrepreneurship, his “why” rooted in serving students who don't fit the traditional model, and how micro schools are redefining education for the next decade. The conversation dives deep into learner-centered design, micro school development, district innovation, and the leadership mindset needed to create transformative change within schools of any size.

In this episode, Ryan tackles a question that's been floating around education circles: “Is Project Based Learning too hard?” Spoiler: No—it's not too hard when done the right way. Drawing from over a decade of work in schools across the country, Ryan breaks down why some districts struggle to sustain PBL, how Magnify Learning is helping schools build internal capacity, and what it really takes to make PBL thrive long-term.

ITP - 132 Tristan Reynolds beams in from Taiwan to explain how his startup school stops yappin' about “global citizens” and actually coaches students into action. Think project-based learning with real tools. Teachers act less like wind-up lecterns and more like pit-crew chiefs. The place is young, scrappy, and cosmopolitan enough to turn a literature class into a live fire exercise on language and identity. We detour through semiconductors, gym-hall ballot counting, and Taipei traffic that looks like Mario Kart with medical bills. A local cop cheerfully explains his job is to write the report after the crash, which, honestly, is the most on-brand public-sector energy we've heard in years. Between staff bouncing across continents and students mixing mother tongues like a cocktail, the through-line is simple: teach kids to actually do stuff together, then get out of the way. Also, Tristan never remembers a toothbrush, but he does remember the tiny teapot. Priorities? Just kidding! Tristan experiences countries through local-begotten, everyday items.Links from this show:Tristan's website: www.tristanreynolds.com Tristan Reynolds is an educator and writer who focuses on international best practices in education and the impacts of globalization on education. His work focuses on the importance of creating schools which support celebrating different cultures, and which cultivate a cosmopolitan attitude in students. He holds an M.S.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University, serves as a mentor for the UNSDSN Global Schools Program, and is a 2021 Teach For America alum.Tristan teaches at  VIS Experimental International SchoolThe article mentioned: 'The problem with English' by Mario SaraceniAlso  mentioned PBL:  What is PBL?Chapters(00:00) International Education and Project-Based Learning(05:26) The Role of Technology and Community in Education(10:58) Teaching Methodologies and Student Engagement(16:28) The Dynamics of a New School and Its Growth(19:02) The Journey of Teaching and Student Growth(20:32) Mid-show ITP Connections(21:51) Navigating Transience in International Education(24:26) Colliding Worlds: Stories from the International Circuit(28:04) Cultural Insights from Taiwan(31:18) The Role of Language and Identity in Education(36:42) Creating a Diverse Learning Environment(42:16) Personal Connections and Cultural Artifacts(45:16) Reflections and Future ConnectionsThe International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.Additional Gems Related to Our Show:Greg's Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠Signup to be our guest  ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠Our Website⁠ -  ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠⁠JPMint Consulting Website  - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠Greg's Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO⁠Books By Gregory Lemoine:⁠International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025)⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.⁠⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.Partner Podcasts:Just to Know You:  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/just-to-know-you/id1655096513Educators Going Global: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educators-going-global/id1657501409⁠

In this episode, Ryan Steuer unpacks the concept of “random acts of STEM” and explains how Project Based Learning (PBL) provides the structure, authenticity, and engagement needed to make STEM meaningful. Instead of relying on flashy experiments to capture attention, Ryan shows how PBL connects science, math, and inquiry to real-world problems, community partners, and long-term engagement. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The difference between “cool experiments” and purposeful STEM learning How PBL prevents random acts of STEM by connecting content to real-world outcomes Why engagement alone isn't enough—students need critical thinking, inquiry, and authentic application A classroom example: an eighth-grade genetics unit where students educate parents about genetic diseases The role of community partners in helping students see career pathways in STEM Why structure matters: the six-step PBL framework that builds culture and consistency How PBL turns STEM into sustained inquiry instead of a “one-off circus trick” Key Takeaways: Flashy labs like oobleck and elephant toothpaste can be engaging but often lack deeper learning connections. PBL flips the script by giving students authentic problems that require inquiry and critical thinking. Real-world audiences (parents, doctors, community partners) drive authentic motivation. PBL gives teachers a sustainable model so they don't have to “one-up” themselves with bigger, crazier experiments. Bringing in engineers, scientists, and professionals helps learners see themselves in STEM careers. Resources & Links Mentioned: pbwebinar.com – Free webinars with slides and visuals whatispbl.com – Free PBL vs. project graphic and resources PBL Simplified (book by Ryan Steuer) – Available wherever books are sold

Inspire Citizens would like to dedicate this episode to the memory of Dr. Jane Goodall. May her passion for the world we live in continue to inspire us all. I think she would've liked this one…Guiding Question:How might we take a regenerative approach to leadership?Key Takeaways:Explore what it means to take a regenerative approach to leadership.Regenerative versus sustainable, what's the difference?Applying regenerative strategies in our school communities. If design  you have for the global good. enjoyed the podcast please take a moment to subscribe, and also please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. The way the algorithm works, this helps our podcast reach more listeners. Thanks from IC for your support. Video link:  https://youtu.be/ftt2EvO5Q3g?si=jRkiZiDs104pnEz-Learn more about how Inspire Citizens co-designs customized student leadership and changemakers programsConnect with more stories from the Inspire Citizens network in our vignettesMeasuring the IMPACT of Service Learning projects and initiatives Access free resources for global citizenship educationShare on social media using #EmpathytoImpactEpisode Summary On this episode, I am joined by guest host Ivy Yan from Inspire Citizens and 3 of her students, Anandi, Diana, and Huy, to talk about a very special learning experience that took place in an eco-village in Vietnam this past summer. These students had the opportunity to learn about regenerative leadership, build deeper connections to nature and to each other, while spending time slowing down, being mindful and embracing interbeing. Join us for an inspiring conversation to, to quote John Lennon, “Imagine all the people sharing all the world”.Discover a transformative podcast on education and learning from a student perspective and student voice, exploring media, media literacy, and media production to inspire citizens in schools through a media lab focused on 21st-century learning, empathy to impact, Global citizenship, collaboration, systems thinking, service learning, PBL, CAS, MYP, PYP, DP, Service as Action, futures thinking, project-based learning, sustainability, well-being, harmony with nature, community engagement, experiential learning, and the role of teachers and teaching in fostering well-being and a better future.

Recently I had to learn APA citation. Oof. It was a heavy lift, after a few decades with MLA. It gave me a refreshed sense of how overwhelming students likely find MLA. I found myself thinking, why can't I just link my sources in parentheses? Why can't I just reference the authors who informed my thinking inside my sentences? Why on earth does it matter if I use a comma or a semicolon, put the page first or put the page second? Why does APA even exist? Yeah, all the things our students probably think when we roll out our 26 page MLA redux, which doesn't even cover it all. And that's only the beginning of student frustration when it comes time for a research paper. Now, I struggle a little bit in recommending these alternatives to the research paper today, partly because my husband regularly references the research paper he wrote in high school as a landmark in his academic life. He loved it. He was so proud of his work. It set him on a path that eventually led all the way to a PHD program at UPenn. The other night, though, when we were debating the relative merits of 5 paragraph essays and research papers, he did mention that the rest of the class did not exactly excel on that research paper assignment, if the comments his teacher made as she passed back the papers were any sign. John Warner, in his book, Why They Can't Write, posits a possible reason for that lack of excelling. “The writing-related tasks we frequently visit upon students would prove difficult for even highly experienced writers. Writing on subjects with which we're newly familiar, in forms that are foreign, and addressed to audiences that are either undefined or unknown (other than 'for the teacher') bears little resemblance to the way we write for the world” (27). In other words, we often ask students to try and make themselves an expert on something they're not that interested in for a research paper, use a citation format that is next thing to a foreign language for them, tie themselves in knots trying to figure out how to convey what they've learned in an orderly way that generally leaves little room for their own voice or opinions, and do it all just to show their teacher, for a grade. Of course, that is how it has seemingly always been done. And after all, we survived. I remember learning MLA format in 7th grade, and creating my first research notecards. I dutifully scrawled quotation after quotation on those notecards, putting all the source information on the back. I can't remember what I wrote about though, for that 7th grade research paper. Literally nothing comes to mind. The first research assignment that I do remember came in 11th grade, when I participated in Minnesota's National History Day, making it to the State Finals with my project "The Column: Supporting Architecture through the Ages." I remember my architectural timeline, supported on a bridge of heavy white dominos across the front of my display board. I remember learning about Ionic, Corinthian, and Doric columns, and I've seen them all over the world in my travels since. I remember my virtual explorations of Athens, as I searched through various texts trying to figure out how the column worked, why it was so special, and what it looked like in buildings all over ancient Greece. I remember presenting my project in Duluth, sensing that I barely made it through with so many other great projects on hand, learning from the quality around me, and improving it before heading for Minneapolis. I remember going to Valley Fair, the amusement park I had had my eye on for years, after the state competition, with my Dad. It. Was. Awesome. My National History Day Project let me choose any topic of interest to me that fit whatever the general theme was that year. It let me use my love of design, color, lettering, and layout in addition to my research skills. It gave me an authentic audience to consider. I think I still had to use MLA citation format, but I was so busy with everything else that I wasn't about to let cracking that code stop me. I had a competition to win. (Not that I did, but I sure had fun trying). When I look back on my academic and professional life so far, research in service of real purpose, in an arena that truly interested me, with the ability to include modes that I enjoy working in, for an audience I truly hoped to impact, made all the difference in igniting my best work. So what if we warm our students up to research with activities, projects, and shorter writing pieces that focus more on elements like these, and less on notecards? What if, instead of jumping into huge MLA research papers with only one person - us - as the intended audience, we cast a wider net around the area of research and explore ways to give students more agency over topic, mode, and audience? This introduction is getting out of hand. Thirteen paragraphs in and we haven't played the music yet. It's lucky I'm not writing a five paragraph essay. So without further ado, let's talk about five alternatives to the research paper that help students practice key skills they can draw on later, if and when they choose a path that requires them to write lengthy academic research papers with full citations in APA or MLA. Sign up for the Full (Free) AI PBL Research Unit: https://sparkcreativity.kartra.com/page/aipbl  For a deep dive on the research carousel, check out episode 163, a case study with educator Jane Wisdom: https://nowsparkcreativity.com/2022/10/case-study-a-meaningful-21st-century-research-project.html  Sources Cited Warner, John. Why They Can't Write: Killing the 5 Paragraph Essay and other Necessities. John Hopkins University Press: 2020. Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Get my popular free hexagonal thinking digital toolkit Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram. Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the ‘gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you! 

Today's podcast discusses three solutions that Project-Based Learning (PBL) brings to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Key Resources & Connections PBL Networks: Administrators and staff members fired up about PBL should check out pblnetworks.com. This platform investigates issues and expands great ideas around PBL and CTE, PBL and maker spaces, and PBL and STEM, bringing together minds across the country to create solutions for the PBL world. Magnify Learning Approach: Magnify Learning uses a two-pronged approach to train leaders and teachers simultaneously. Their goal is to achieve a fully sustainable PBL model, culture, and trained professionals within three years. Customization is a core value, involving listening to CTE teachers and customizing resources to their work. The Challenge of Projects vs. Project-Based Learning While CTE programs are already rich with real-world application, engagement, and projects (students are welding, wiring, and cooking), simply doing projects does not guarantee learners are experiencing the full benefits of PBL. PBL offers three specific solutions to upgrade any CTE program. The Three Problems and PBL Solutions 1. Problem: Learners Aren't Always Engaged Even with authentic, hands-on work (like laying pipe or designing logos), engagement isn't always automatic because learners often don't know the "why" or the spark of purpose behind the task. PBL Solution: Start with a real problem and give the authentic work a new why and new purpose. Entry Event: A strong entry event is a staple of any PBL unit, creating the emotional hook and launching the unit by focusing on solving a real problem for real people. Example: Instead of just doing brake jobs in auto tech, learners begin the unit by meeting with a local nonprofit serving single mothers, giving the work a purpose beyond the technical standards. This aligns with Daniel Pink's "big three" elements of motivation: purpose, autonomy, and mastery. 2. Problem: CTE Teachers Can Lack a Clear Structure Many CTE professionals (e.g., master electricians, nurses, chefs, engineers) come straight from the industry and are not traditional educators. They may lack training in creating rubrics, connecting lessons to standards, or backwards planning. Without structure, projects can go "off the rails," potentially running far longer than planned (e.g., three weeks turning into nine weeks). PBL Solution: Use the six-step process to simplify planning and maximize learning. The six steps provide a simple, repeatable way to design rigorous, authentic projects and remove the guesswork. The Six Steps: Define the problem. Set the solution criteria. Research possible solutions. Choose a solution. Implement it and inspect it. Reflect on the process. PBL offers scaffolding, and resources (like planning templates and rubrics) can be tailored specifically to fit CTE departments (e.g., welding or HVAC). 3. Problem: The Amazing Work Isn't Being Shared from Your CTE Programs Incredible things are happening in CTE (e.g., rewiring homes, interning at hospitals), but they often happen "behind closed doors," and the community never sees them. This leads the community to misunderstand the current state of CTE (thinking it is "shop class from 50 years ago"). PBL Solution: Make the learning public. Public Presentations of Learning to an authentic audience is a core component of PBL. Authentic Audiences may include a panel of industry professionals, the local school board, or a neighborhood news outlet. Benefits: When work is made public, learners take pride in it, community partners see the advanced work happening, and the district sees the CTE program as a "crown jewel". Example: Culinary students cater a luncheon for a local senior center, researching dietary needs and letting the local newspaper know, resulting in a "splash" of good news. Conclusion PBL is a smooth transition for CTE because the programs already have authentic projects and CTE professionals understand the work. When done right, PBL aligns with what CTE is already good at and helps build citizens, problem solvers, and leaders in addition to the workforce of tomorrow.

Recorded- September 26, 2025   Uploaded- September 27, 2025 We recap the finals from the AAPB, FLPB, and PBL. Then preview the ALPB finals.

Project-based learning can be a powerful instructional framework, but it is often structured in ways that exclude students who need a different approach. Too often, PBL becomes a space where accommodations and differentiation fall by the wayside. The good news is that we don't have to abandon PBL or dramatically overhaul it to make it work for diverse learners. In this episode, author and educator John Spencer shares five small but thoughtful structural changes we can make that will allow every student to thrive in a project-based environment. ______________________________________________________________ Thanks to EVERFI and Listenwise for sponsoring this episode. To read John's post, visit cultofpedagogy.com/accessible-pbl. To learn more about the PBL Master Course bundle, click HERE and use the code pedagogy at checkout to take an extra $20 off!

Recorded- September 12, 2025   Uploaded- September 13, 2025 A news pod to start the week. The fellas look at how Grand Junction's relocation could affect the PBL's future. Also parting thoughts on the ALPB schedule release and Jackals situation.

Recorded- September 6, 2025 Uploaded- September 6, 2025   The guys breakdown the playoff races in the PBL and ALPB. Then take a deep review of each playoff series in the AAPB and FLPB.

Too many kids see math as boring or irrelevant. Tinashe Blanchet shares how creative, real-world projects like scale models can help students engage deeply with math while still hitting standards. Read more: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e913 3 Takeaways: • Scale models and PBL connect math to real life. • Measurement is often the weakest test area—but projects can fix that. • Teachers can start small with PBL, even in tight schedules. Growth Reflection: How have you used projects to make math more engaging? Show notes link: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e913

AI 在普通中学里的应用走到哪一步了？ 在过去的节目里，我们聊过 AI 时代对正在成长的这一批青少年的影响，也聊过创新学校是如何将 AI 应用于教育的，但在全国更多的普通中学里，在依然以高考为终点的那些教室中，那儿的 AI 应用又是怎样的？ 带着这样的好奇，我们采访了五位来自全国不同城市、不同学科的中学老师，聊了聊他们的真实经历与感受：AI 真的能帮老师减轻工作负担吗？用 AI 批作文、做课件好不好用？学生能不能在课堂上使用 AI，为什么？ 透过一线老师的叙述，我们一起去看一看 AI 在中国普通中学里，真实而复杂的落地图景。 本期人物 徐涛，声动活泼联合创始人 可宣，「声东击西」监制 贾老师，南京高中信息技术老师 王老师，北京初中英语老师 罗老师，上海初中语文老师 陈老师，上海初中生物老师 张老师，成都高中 PBL 老师 主要内容 [04:23] DeepSeek 带来的学校使用 AI 热潮 [08:46] 被 AI 教学系统折磨的老师们 [16:30] 在课堂上使用 AI 的学生，能玩出什么花样 [17:45] 用 AI 写作文的学生和用 AI 改作文的老师 [21:15] 老师们的担忧：AI 用得太多还是太少？ 给声东击西投稿 除了 AI 与老师，我们也想来听到自学生这端的故事，所以如果你正在大学里念书，不论年级高低，曾经通过 AI 做过一些有趣的事情，无论是帮自己偷懒，还是一些奇思妙想，或者非常稀奇古怪做法，都欢迎来投稿。 你的声音可能出现在未来的节目当中，我们非常期待你的分享！ 投稿入口 (https://eg76rdcl6g.feishu.cn/share/base/form/shrcne1CGVaSeJwtBriW6yNT2dg) 你也可以直接通过邮箱直接联系节目组：kexuan@shengfm.cn 节目推荐《梁柱之间 · 山西古建筑十讲》 《梁柱之间 · 山西古建筑十讲》是一档为古建筑旅行准备的播客节目。山西保存着全国 70% 以上的早期木构建筑，历史跨度近 1400 年。唐代的南禅寺、佛光寺，辽金时期的应县木塔、华严寺，以及元明清时期的永乐宫和晋商大院，这些散落在高原河谷中的坐标，谱写了一首用木头书写的合唱。 《梁柱之间·山西》选取了十座最具代表性的古建筑（古建筑群）作为主角，以「建筑–史料–人」的三重维度，为听众呈现一个立体而可感知的古代建筑奇迹。 相比于常见的对谈聊天型节目，《梁柱之间》是一档单集 20-30 分钟左右信息密度极高的单口节目，希望可以帮助听众连接建筑本身的细节和广阔的历史。本节目由可达、重轻、汉洋在 AI 的辅助下制作完成。 付费专辑《梁柱之间·山西》已上线小宇宙 app，感兴趣的朋友可以点击链接 (https://sourl.cn/GrRmJX)下单，客服会在一个工作日内将小宇宙兑换码发送给你。 声动活泼年度新节目上线！ 这次，我们倾全团队之力为 AI 时代的青少年做了一件微小但重要的事。 每期 10 分钟，从一个青少年感兴趣的现象谈起，涉及商业科技、社会人文等话题，解读表象背后的深层逻辑，启发青少年提出自己的好奇。每周一、三、五早晨 6 点在各大音频平台准时更新。