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

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.

Unlock the potential of learning spaces stuck in traditional setups! Discover how transforming an old office into a vibrant Montessori hub encourages collaboration and creative thinking. Learn why reducing furniture can enhance student agency and how to create diverse learning zones. Explore the impact of shifting away from a dominant teacher desk and adopting co-working models. Get practical design tips, like flexible seating and portable whiteboards, that promote movement and autonomy, empowering students to lead their learning.

In this enlightening discussion, Robynne Esther, an inquiry-driven educator with over 15 years of experience, shares her journey towards fostering genuine student agency. She reveals practical tools that allow students to direct their learning, like the co-creation of checklists and expert research groups. Robynne emphasizes the power of inquiry provocations to broaden student-led directions and the importance of visible thinking strategies for reflection and risk-taking. This conversation offers actionable insights for educators aiming to facilitate independence without sacrificing structure.

Explore how a few powerful books can revolutionize your approach to education this summer. Discover ways to turn dull worksheets into vibrant student-driven projects and engage disengaged learners as citizen scientists. Uncover key traits to motivate all students beyond grades and redefine what success looks like in the classroom. Plus, learn innovative grading strategies that promote collaboration and creativity. Transform burnout into breakthrough with insightful recommendations for your reading list!

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.

Starting a student-centered school or program but not sure how to find educators who can thrive in it? You’re not alone, and the answer isn’t just another job fair or standard posting. In this episode, I share the exact 3 shifts that helped me staff our brand-new Montessori Middle School with mission-aligned “unicorn” educators in less than three weeks. If you’re launching a new initiative or simply want to rethink how you hire, this will help you attract the right teachers: You’ll discover: Why the traditional job description fails for student-centered roles How to build a visual, values-driven educator profile that attracts the perfect candidates Smarter ways to share your opportunity (that attract the right candidates) How to go beyond interviews and actually see how applicants think and teach This is the blueprint for recruiting educators who do more than fill a role, they bring your vision to life. Listen in, and have a whiteboard ready. Link to the Sample Educator Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kwagssd3_educationalleadership-schoolleadership-activity-7307687237410795521-P7ll/ 

Feel like project-based learning sounds powerful—but totally unrealistic in your packed curriculum and schedule? What if one small shift could open the door? In this episode, I talk with international educator, VIS Dean of Academic Affairs and social scientist Tristan Reynolds, who shares how he replaced a single unit test with a project—and saw student ownership, engagement, and reflection skyrocket. From rural Texas classrooms to interdisciplinary teaching in Taipei, Tristan walks us through the simple mindset and planning shifts that helped PBL work within, not outside of, school structures. It’s a refreshing look at how real change happens—not through an overhaul, but through intentional, evidence-based experimentation. You’ll learn: How one teacher redesigned a single assessment and sparked student agency What student data revealed about deeper learning and engagement How interdisciplinary collaboration builds momentum for school-wide change Why project-based learning can fit within your constraints—not fight against them Ready to see how one small step can unlock student-centered learning in your setting? This episode shows you the shift in action. Connect with Tristan: Instagram, LinkedIn Data Studies Around Benefits of PBL on Learning: Wide Scale Studies  Tristan's Bio: Tristan Reynolds is an educator and writer who focuses on international best practices in education and the impacts of globalization on education. As an experienced international educator, he understand the importance of creating schools which support celebrating different cultures, and which cultivate a cosmopolitan attitude in students. Tristan's work helps build a clearer picture of how to help students and teachers move beyond local limits to education. He holds an M.S.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University, American and British teaching & administration licensures, and is a 2021 Teach For America alum.