The Student-Centered Shift: Empowered International Schools and Classrooms Through Project-Based Learning

I'm re-airing this episode based on popular demand and a recent study that shows a sharp decline in pupil's happiness in secondary school due to a lack of agency. Are you trying to build more student agency, but feel boxed in by curriculum coverage? What if you didn't have to choose between voice and academic rigor? In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Harvey, secondary principal at Beijing City International School (BCIS), to explore how her team is shifting culture around student agency while still honoring the demands of a rigorous curriculum. From co-creating a three-year vision to redefining personalization in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, Natalie shares the intentional moves that are making voice and choice a lived experience—not just a buzzword. You'll hear how BCIS is navigating real challenges while building a culture where students know themselves deeply, make meaningful decisions, and drive their own learning. How BCIS reframed student agency through the lens of "jaggedness" What voice and choice look like in IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) classrooms How leadership created a shared language and clear expectations around agency Why building trust—and giving teachers choice—is key to sustainable change Ready to hear how these shifts are playing out in practice and what they might look like in your setting? Connect with Natalie: Natalie.Harvey@bcis.cn Link to the Pupil Happiness Study: Pupil Happiness Study by Grade Level Get the 12 Shifts Book: On Amazon Natalie's Bio: Natalie is the current Secondary Principal of BCIS and was born in Hanover, Jamaica. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Language Education: English, from the University of the West Indies, a Master of Arts in Education from Wake Forrest University, a Certificate of International School Leadership from the Principal's Training Center, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in International School Leadership with Wilkes University. Before BCIS, Natalie worked in various capacities in Jamaica, the United States of America, Venezuela, and Mexico. She was a Middle School Deputy Principal and Principal at the American School of Tampico for seven years. She has been an educator for 25 years and has a wealth of experience in teaching and leading. Natalie believes that forming solid interpersonal relationships leads to a positive school culture, functional collaborative structures, and exceptional outcomes for students and teachers. In addition, Natalie is passionate about partnering with parents, promoting student voice, and fostering a sense of belonging and a focus on successful learning outcomes within the BCIS community.

Tired of students asking, "What did I get?" after every assignment? What if they asked, "How did I grow?" instead? In this solo episode, I share a powerful reflection conversation with one of my students after his seventh real-world presentation of the day during Exhibition. Rather than assigning a grade, we walk through a rubric he co-created, debating scores, celebrating growth, and co-constructing the path forward. This isn't just assessment—it's transformation. You'll learn: Why co-created rubrics lead to more authentic assessment How self-assessment builds ownership, metacognition, and accountability Five clear steps to make self-assessment part of your class culture How to use assessment to support reflection, not just justify scores If you're ready to replace grading battles with growth conversations, this episode gives you the tools to get started. Get the 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Book (chapter 10): https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713

Do you ever feel like your students rely on you for every next move? What if you could shift from being the sole driver to creating a classroom where students lead with confidence? In this episode, I sit down with Nicole, a passionate PE teacher and learning leader who shares her journey of transitioning from teacher-led instruction to student-led experiences. From student-designed fitness plans to peer-facilitated learning reflections, Nicole reveals practical strategies that helped her learners take charge—and the ripple effects this had across her school community. You'll learn: How to structure lessons so students take the lead Simple routines that nurture peer coaching and reflection Why stepping back builds stronger student voice and trust How student-led initiatives can work in any subject, not just PE Ready to stop running every part of the learning experience? This episode gives you the mindset, models, and momentum to empower students to step up and own it. Connect with Nicole: LinkedIn Get the 12 Shifts Book: 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Nicole's Bio: Typically, Physical Education teacher often means focusing on well known sports and lesson plan formats, but Nicole strives to introduce alternative activities and ways of learning that are accessible and help break away from traditional norms, promoting inclusivity and engagement. Her most significant years of teaching have been in the international school settings, where she has had the privilege to meet many learners and colleagues from different cultures and backgrounds. This has taught her how important it is to adapt to global demands, as well as the unique needs of each student. Being part of a research team, participating in NEASC accreditation visits, attending conferences, publishing, and networking with companies and educators worldwide, has given her the confidence to focus on rewarding progress as opposed to perfection. Recognizing that every individual is unique, Nicole feels passionate about designing learning experiences that foster personal development and equip students with skills that will remain relevant in the future

Do your students disengage the moment a presentation starts- or never fully show what they're capable of? What if the missing ingredient was as simple as who was watching? In this episode, I share the powerful impact of expanding the audience beyond the teacher. You'll hear how one identity-based exhibition at our Montessori Middle School completely transformed students' confidence, participation, and ownership—including English language learners and typically shy students. You'll walk away with practical ways to invite real audiences into your classroom—no giant showcase required. You'll learn: How shifting the audience empowers even your quietest students Easy ways to invite peers, parents, and experts into classroom learning Why real-world relevance boosts confidence and work quality How audience exposure builds identity, voice, and intrinsic motivation The data and stories behind why this simple shift works Whether it's a panel discussion, peer walkthrough, or younger student visit, expanding the audience can unlock the most authentic, empowered version of your learners. Listen now and discover how one small shift can breathe life into every corner of your classroom. Get the Book w/ more ideas for how to go from Teacher as audience - - - -> Authentic Audience: 📘 https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713 (Chapter 11)

Do you ever feel stuck trying to make learning relevant, but tied to the four walls of your classroom? What if the place students learn became the curriculum itself—full of stories, problems, and people to learn from? In this episode, I sit down with Jen Buchanan, principal at Think Global School—one of the world's only fully traveling high schools—to explore how place-based learning transforms education. Jen shares how students immerse themselves in local contexts like Japan, Botswana, and Greece, tackling real-world issues through interdisciplinary projects with community partners. You'll hear how this approach fosters global citizenship, critical thinking, and lasting impact—and how any school can get started. You'll learn: Why local and global contexts ignite deeper inquiry and empathy How students co-design learning through place-based, changemaker modules Simple ways to embed community, geography, and culture into your curriculum How to overcome common constraints like time, standards, and logistics Ready to turn your surroundings into stories and your students into global problem-solvers? This episode is your first step toward place-based transformation. Connect with Jen: (LinkedIn), (Website) Learn more about ThinkGlobal: https://thinkglobalschool.org/think-global-school-welcomes-jen-buchanan-as-its-next-principal/ Get the 12 Shifts Book, 'Where is the Teacher?': https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713 Jen's Bio: Jen Buchanan is the principal of Think Global, the world's first traveling high school. SJen has cemented her career as a future-focused educator and leader in Australia, holding roles such as Head of Secondary at Preshil School and Head of Tay Creggan at Strathcona Girls Grammar. She also served as a consultant with Future Schools Alliance and Director of Engagement at Future Anything, supporting innovative teaching and learning nationwide. Known for her commitment to creating positive, equitable, and engaging learning environments, Jen is a passionate advocate for student agency and creative potential. Her work is grounded in a belief that education should ignite curiosity, support wellbeing, and empower all students to thrive, and she brings a deep understanding of implementing meaningful change from her "on-the-ground" experience in progressive schools. Jen is also a dedicated lifelong learner, holding a Master of Education from The University of Melbourne and a second Master's degree from Deakin University, where her research focused on topics like student engagement ("flow") and the experiences of graduate teachers. Outside of her professional life, she is a self-confessed adventure-seeker and creative spirit. She loves to be off the grid, hiking and camping, or discovering new corners of the world. At home in Melbourne, she is a part-time artist, creating everything from wheel-thrown ceramics to quirky short films, bringing the same sense of wonder and creativity that defines her work in education to her personal projects.

Discover the transformative power of student project managers in the classroom. One teacher shares how empowering students to manage projects increased ownership and collaboration. You'll learn why peer accountability enhances engagement and how to implement this role during group work and discussions. Explore the benefits of rotating the manager role to elevate learning quality and foster leadership. Step away from micromanaging and embrace mentorship for a dynamic classroom experience.

What does it really take to lead a student-centered shift, especially in exam-driven environments? In this conversation, I sit down with Rikke (pronounced like reggae), an international school leader who is transforming her 600-student campus in Portugal to align with her bold vision: "Together, we educate for change." Rikke shares the small but intentional moves that created momentum for whole-school innovation, from restructuring timetables to redefining the role of middle leaders. Her story proves that student-centered change doesn't require perfection. It takes persistence, clear purpose, and the courage to start. You'll hear how she: Built teacher buy-in by anchoring everything in a powerful "why" Designed low-stakes spaces for teachers to experiment with projects Structured time for interdisciplinary, SDG-driven experiences without compromising academic outcomes This episode is a must-listen for curriculum leaders, coordinators, and change agents looking for realistic and replicable strategies to move from good intentions to genuine transformation. Bio: An actionist creating social change through education, Nordic leadership, and a focus on asking why, connecting ideas, and driving impact. Get the 12 Shifts Book: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713 Take The 12 Shifts Scorecard to Identity Areas for Growth: https://transformschool.com/12shiftsscorecard/

Kristin Damberger, a Learning Coach at the International School Nido de Aguilas, shares her insights on why student teams often stumble. She discusses common pitfalls and presents three transformative shifts to boost collaboration and ownership. Instead of traditional roles, giving students a voice fosters accountability and success. The episode highlights how feedback loops enhance group dynamics and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. With real examples, Kristin advocates for empowering students in a project-based learning environment.

Austin Levinson, Director of Learning at Megaminds, is a passionate advocate for student agency and curiosity. He shares how modeling vulnerability and collaborative projects can inspire student risk-taking and genuine learning. The conversation dives into the transformative use of AI in education, emphasizing its role in enriching critical thinking rather than replacing it. Austin also discusses engaging parents and maintaining authentic connections, highlighting that curiosity can be the driving force in classrooms when educators embrace messiness and co-design learning experiences.

Discover how to transform classrooms into vibrant hubs of student-led collaboration. Dive into the four key design shifts that promote shared ownership and active participation. Learn why table clusters are essential for effective group work and how to utilize vertical thinking spaces. Explore the importance of distinct activity zones and accessible tools that empower students. This insightful discussion encourages educators to cultivate deeper dialogue and teamwork, moving away from traditional teaching methods.