153. Remix #1 - Five Voices on Real-World Challenges

Sep 29, 2025

Guest

Sean Duffy

Guest

In this engaging discussion, project-based learning expert Ali Wong shares insights on authentic student projects, including a heartwarming humane society campaign. Jeff Holti, instrumental in shaping entrepreneurial education, reveals exciting student-led initiatives like impactful book publishing in Cambodia. Elementary principal Rebecca Parks narrates a remarkable classroom transformation that boosted student engagement, while Sean Duffy highlights immersive projects such as Campaign 44 and wordless storytelling, fostering civic understanding and empathy through innovative learning.

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ADVICE

Use All Seven PBL Design Elements

Start projects by including all seven PBL design elements to reach gold standard project-based learning.
Prioritize authenticity, student voice, and sustained inquiry so projects become the main method of learning.

ADVICE

Co-Design Projects From Student Curiosity

Co-design driving questions with students by starting with their curiosities and interests.
Connect student questions to curricular standards and a real-world need to boost authenticity and ownership.

INSIGHT

Projects Can Spark Student Activism

Treat projects as opportunities for students to become activists and agents of change when given ownership.
Student empathy and care often emerge naturally when they lead authentic, mission-driven work.

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Before I deliver my introduction to this episode, I want to acknowledge my co-creator and inspiration for what you are about to hear today. Her name is Mel Ching and she is amazing. Director of Community Engagement for What School Could Be and producer/host of our YouTube live series, "The Big Think," Mel and I have been co-creating on projects for almost four years. Thank you, Mel.

Okay, listeners, if you navigate to WhatSchoolCouldBe.org, you will find in the nav bar the words, The Innovation Playlist. What is this? The Innovation Playlist is a powerful change model based on small steps that elevate learning and life outcomes. It brings your community together to build consensus on your North Star. It trusts teachers to lead the way, build on successes, draw on best practices, and do what you take joy in: challenging your students in creative, distinctive ways that prepare them for life.

One of the playlists is called Real World Challenges. What is it? Imagine an educational landscape where students are not merely recipients of knowledge, but passionate investigators delving into the depths of authentic, engaging, and intricate questions, problems, and challenges. When you incorporate Real-World Challenges into your curriculum, students are empowered to actively engage with real-world complexities, become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators. These students don’t just absorb information; they apply their learning in impactful ways and have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the world around them, whether at an individual, community or organizational level.

In this episode, we hear segments from previous conversations that feature guests who live and breathe the concept of real-world challenges. There are five segments in this episode and I will provide a short introduction to each one. So if you are ready, I am ready. And if you have insights or questions, email me at MLTSinHawaii@Gmail.com, which is my podcast contact. As always editing is provided by the very talented Evan Kurohara.