The Student-Centered Shift: Empowered International Schools and Classrooms Through Project-Based Learning Is Inquiry Still Teacher-Led in Your Classroom? How to Design for True Student Ownership
Is inquiry still too teacher-directed in your classroom, even when it’s framed as student-centered? You’re not alone. Many international educators find that despite good intentions, “inquiry” still looks like teacher-planned lessons with limited student agency.
In this episode, I speak with Dawn York, Head of Hanoi International School, about how she and her team shifted from teacher-led inquiry to real student ownership. From launching a student-led middle school council to embedding project-based learning across grades 6–10, Dawn shares how to design structures that make student-led learning stick — even in a busy international curriculum.
You’ll discover:
-
How to carve time out of the timetable for student-led PBL
-
Why teacher-led inquiry still dominates (and how to shift it)
-
Strategies to build buy-in through teacher leadership, not compliance
-
What motivates students when grades and gold stars are removed
-
How PBL transforms student ownership, even for neurodiverse learners
If you're ready to move beyond surface-level inquiry and build classrooms where students truly lead their learning, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tools.
Connect with Daun: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/daun-yorke-469b9540/
Get the 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Book: 'Where Is The Teacher'- https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713
Daun's Bio: Steering Hanoi International School with a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, Daun's role as Head of School for 2.5 years has been marked by fostering an environment where staff development and instructional design thrive. Her expertise in creating sustainable educational ecosystems positions our team at the forefront of progressive education management. As a Professional Development Lead Educator at The International Baccalaureate for nearly a decade, Daun has honed her skills in educational leadership, ensuring that each initiative contributes significantly to our global mission. Her organization's recognition as a #Edruptor of 2022 reflects our collective efforts to innovate and inspire within the international education landscape.