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

Imagine a school where you take your shoes off every time you enter the classroom. You shared the space with local bugs, insects, bees, and biodiversity surrounding you. You rode a bus to school powered by used vegetable oil. The curriculum was built around the natural world surrounding you. You got to take up action projects to save the planet, whether protecting local reefs, or buidling roads out of hardened volcanic ash.  These are daily experiences for students at the Green School Bali. And Science, Math and Regeneration Middle School Learning Experience Designer (Teacher) Kenny Peavy is one of its chief architects.  His simple mantra: "Turn boxes into bubbles."  Through our podcast conversation, learn how to: Re-design curriculum around big sustainability themes Scaffold learning to allow for deep exploration Support students in taking up action projects Be a climate warrior by taking up your OWN sustainable projects Build strategic partnerships with the communit to help them fly Transition from classroom teacher to indoor/outdoor learning facilitator  Connect with Kenny: Instagram, LinkedIn,  Join Kenny's Facebook Group for conversations and free resources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/boxpeopleunboxed  Pre-order the 12 Shifts for student-centered environments book: www.transformschool.com/whereistheteacher  Take the 12 shifts scorecard: www.transformschool.com/12shiftsscorecard  Get the free PBL starter kit: www.transformschool.com/pblstarterkit  Kenny's Bio: Kenny is originally from Georgia, USA. He’s been living and teaching overseas for 23+ years in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia. He’s led thousands of students on Education Outside the Classroom Expeditions for cultural immersion, ecology, adventure and service learning throughout Southeast Asia. Kenny is currently an educator in the Middle School at Green School Bali. In his current role, he teaches Science, Math, and Regeneration in an experiential outdoor setting. He’s ridden a bamboo bicycle from Thailand to Bali to raise awareness for sustainability in Southeast Asia and circumnavigated Phuket Island in Thailand in a kayak to spotlight marine conservation issues in the region. He is author of The Box People- Out of the BOX! An illustrated children’s book focused on sustainable communities with the message to get out of your box and play outside to make deep connections with Nature! As a result of his dedication to the environment, environmental education and conservation he’s been awarded Volunteer of the Year by both the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Organization in the USA and the Malaysian Nature Society in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

How do we EMPOWER our SEN learners?  What if by accomodating for their unique needs, we were able to create a more student-centered environment for ALL learners?  Provided alternative methods of assessment. Allowed for hands-on projects. Built learning around common themes. Emphasized life skills as much as academic ones.  That's exactly what founder Ali Durban and Head Teacher Tamaryn Yatu have assembled at Gesher School; a through way school for children from ages 4-16 with mild to moderate needs. In this episode, we learn as student-centered practitioners: How to design and build more inclusive environments How to design learning experiences that engage and ignite our diverse learners The science behind neurodiverse learners and their needs How to assess learning that moves beyond paper/pencil tests How to create student-centered environments that create JOY and empowerment Connect with Ali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-durban-6228233/ Connect with Tamaryn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaryn-yartu-b5074751/ Learn more about Gesher: https://gesherschool.com/ Access their database of projects: https://gesherschool.com/school-life/projects/ Pre-Order "Where is the Teacher: The 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments." www.transformschool.com/whereistheteacher  Take the 12 shifts Scorecard: www.transformschool.com/12shiftsmastermind  Ali's Bio: Ali Durban is a parent and co-founder of Gesher, an all-through school designed especially for children who are differently able and who learn differently. Gesher School has been awarded Ofsted outstanding twice since it opened in 2017. Ali is also the founder of the Gesher Assessment Centre, which offers a bespoke multi-disciplinary assessment, diagnosis and report service for children and young people who may have ADHD, Autism or a range of varying learning differences. Ali's journey from exhausted SEND parent to co-founder of a thriving school community has transformed her into a ringleader for system-wide transformation. Ali currently chairs a SEND council for the Foundation of Education Development which is creating a 10-year plan and vision for UK education. Ali also sits on the Education Council for the Autism Centre of Excellence. Gesher School welcomes you to register for The Bridge, Gesher's professional journal for the learning and continuous development of schools and staff.  Tamaryn's Bio: Tamaryn is originally from Cape Town, South Africa, where she completed a Bachelor of Education Foundation Stage and worked within a specialist environment catering for children with a range of learning differences and a focus on early intervention. Tamaryn has always had a passion for teaching as inclusively and creatively as possible and therefore moved to London to explore different learning environments within this specialist field. As a SEND specialist, Tamaryn hs honed her skills over the years to support inclusive practice within several schools both locally and internationally. Through a transformative education approach, I have used Project Based Learning and dynamic learning designs to create innovative and purposeful curriculum programmes. Tamaryn has been a part of the Gesher journey since the very beginning, and became Headteacher at Gesher in April 2021.  She planned and oversaw the school's move to a new site alongside the Governors, staff and various external organisations, including 'planning learning spaces' as we evolved into the secondary phase. A big part of this work included the development of our learning spaces to deliver our authentic hands-on curriculum for our students while meeting a range of needs. This year my focus will be to continue to develop the school's provision alongside my new co-head while we work to make a systemic change in the education system through sharing best practices and advocating for our students.    

How do we cultivate and unleash student creativity in our classrooms? Right now it's happening on the peripheries. In makerspaces, STEM projects, electives, and arts/music/drama classes. But how do we make creativity a core part of day to day learning? Building opportunities for students to tinker, build, create, and problem solve on a daily basis in ALL classrooms? In this short episode, Adam Hill, STEM consultant and creativity guru teaches us how to achieve this through a few simple shifts in mindset and learning design.  We learn: How to transform existing units to be more hands-on How to bring the makerspace into our classrooms How to build creative mindsets and confidence with creativity How to get started  Connect with Adam on LinkedIn; Instagram; Facebook (@adamhilledu); and on Twitter/X (@AdamHillEDU) Adam's Website: adamhillconsulting.com Take the 12 Shifts Scorecard to Target Areas for Growth: https://transformschool.com/12shiftsmastermind/  Pre-order the 12 Shifts Book (coming in August!): Where is the Teacher: 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Adam's Bio: Adam Hill is an experienced international teacher, school leader and STEM specialist. After nine years in Asia, he recently returned to the UK to develop his educational consulting business. He believes passionately in the importance of student creativity and enjoys partnering with schools to support their STEM journeys. Adam was recognised as a Google for Education Champion and “Edruptor” of 2022. This summer sees the launch of his book, STEM-Powered Leadership.

How do we EMPOWER adolescent learners?  Anyone who works with this age group, knows that they have a unique set of needs. Adolescent learners have unique needs for increased social connections, purpose, autonomy, ownership, and real-world purpose and pursuits beyond the walls of the classroom.  As student-centered adolescent educators, how do we design experiences and environments that allow for these? In this short podcast interview, expert adolescent educator and Montessori guide Julien Lamorte teaches us how to:  Build adolescent learning experiences around 4 key 'bricks' or 'pillars'  Include adolescent learners in learning design Empower them to develop and implement self-directed projects  Exhibit their learning   Connect them to opportunities in the real-world   Increase their agency, voice and choice in all aspects of learning  Connect with Julien: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julien-jayed/ . Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julien_jayed/. Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/JulienJayed . Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julien.jayed  Website: julienjayed.me  Dive Deeper in Designing Learning Experiences for Adolescents- - > Register for the FREE 'Building Student Agency' IB Workshops Enroll in the 4 session Project-Based Design Certificate Course - -> Here. Julien's Bio: Father of 4 Montessori children, Julien Jayed Lamorte has been involved in the Montessori education movement since 2004 as a parent and volunteer president at Lyon Montessori School (France). At that time he was still running a business unit in urban planning and international consultancy. After a few years, this commitment led him to work closely with the AMI accredited French training center, setting up the 1st diploma course ever outside of Paris in 2010 - there were no online courses at that time. From 2008, he also took an active part to the preparatory work that eventually led to the creation in 2014 of the Collège Maria Montessori des Aiglons, the 1st Montessori middle school in France offering a full Erdkinder project. In charge of the administration and community development, he also gave some workshops to adolescents during five years, related to preparation to professional life; a mix of law, economics, finances and personal development allowing adolescents to understand better their possible future roles as adults. Julien Jayed Lamorte has become an international Montessori trainer since 2020, running courses for Montessori school administrators. He also offers consultancies all around the world, coaching school owners and administrators, supporting the development of Montessori curricula, in Europe, Africa and more recently Asia. Living in Switzerland since 2022, still engaged in spreading out Montessori education to the greatest number, Julien Jayed Lamorte volunteers in the Swiss Montessori community and has built a platform (montessoriaction.fr & montessoriaction.com) where he shares with other Montessorians free online resources to parents and professionals.

Taking the first steps 👣 into design project-based experiences can be a scary thought for a lot of teachers... It certainly was for me. How will I ensure students acquire the mandated curriculum? Assess learning? Where will I find the time to plan, scaffold the experience, and ensure students reach meaningful outcomes? Chris Bush, Economics Teacher, and Head of Student Voice and Leadership at University High School had similar reservations. But with the help of Chat GPT and AI acting as a co-pilot, he finally had a tool to not only answer these questions, but dramatically enhance the experience for learners. Check out our full conversation and learn how to: 👣 Use Chat GPT to most effectively to co-design curricular rich learning experiences 👣 Use AI + Chat GPT to personalize and create differentiated pathways 👣 Create a 'Clone' of yourself using AI to act as a personal tutor 👣 Put Chat GPT into our student's hands to improve learning outcomes Connect with Chris: Linked In (@chrisjbush),  Watch the Video on Youtube: Full Interview Join the Upcoming Webinar: 'Engineering Your First Project-Based Experience:' www.transformschool.com/gptpbl  Chris' Bio:  Chris Bush is the Head of Student Voice and Leadership at University High School. He specialises in guiding teachers and professionals to utilise the transformative potential of AI. Chris’ expertise lies in enabling teachers to transform traditional learning into modern, student-centred experiences, where AI is integrated for a range of purposes, from clarifying complex concepts to enhancing practical skill development. His background includes a focus on curriculum development, including roles as Head of Curriculum and Innovation at Prahran High School and with the Safe Schools Coalition Australia, where he authored National Curriculum resources. Chris Bush is currently Head of Student Voice and Leadership at University High School. He specialises in guiding teachers and professionals to harness AI’s transformative potential. His background includes a focus on curriculum development, having previously worked as Head of Curriculum and Innovation at Prahran High School and for the Safe School Coalition Australia where he authored National Curriculum resources. 

What if you could re-imagine schooling to be student-centered? Build from the ground up?  That's what Connect Academy did when it was given carte blanche to re-imagine schooling for students in the Poway District.  It re-imagined: How we organize learning experiences, by making them interdisciplinary, and community focused.   How we organize learners, by making classes mixed grade level, and inclusive of all abilities.  How we organize the school day, by creating extended blocks of time, and project-based opportunities.  How we CONNECT students, by connecting them meaningfully in daily advisories, and homerooms.  Connect Academy isn't some fancy prep school built for elite families that live in the Hollywood Hills; it's a public, inclusive school built for kids of all backgrounds, nationalities, and socio-economic status.  Learn more about their journey from learning experience designers/teachers Joe Gizzo and Karen Rogers, and you can build in these student-centered elements in your classroom or school.   Learn more about Connect Academy: https://connectacademy.powayusd.com/ , Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/Connect_PUSD, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connect_academy_pusd/ & https://www.instagram.com/naturaldesigners/  Connect with Karen: LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Personal Site: https://sites.google.com/powayusd.com/karen-elaine/home  Karen's Bio: Karen Elaine Rogers is a visionary who focuses on big picture and deeper purpose. Having directed multiple early childhood centers, started or revamped children's education programs, and pastoring a large and growing non-profit for families, she also fostered and then adopted many children in the first 20 years of her career. As an outside the box thinker who thrives in flexibility and clear purpose, KarenElaine has spent the last 10 years in public education. Focused on behavior modification and music therapy in her time in special education, she then piloted a project and brain based TK/K program in one of Poway Unified School District's Title 1 schools, and then helped launch the district's first hybrid Independent Study school while recently being awarded as Teacher of the Year. Strategizing tasks by building teams & investing in those closest to her, KarenElaine leads with empathy and focuses on team strengths. Her creative and innovative mind is constantly impassioned to dream, collaborate or share. Possessing a way with words, her ability to weave a great story, articulate vision, and influence an audience are what inspires. She aims to transform education & be part of life's most exciting pursuits with women, children and families while living simply with nature! Joe's Bio: Joe Gizzo has been a teacher in Poway Unified School District for 24 years. He teaches middle school digital arts and computer science at Connect Academy, PUSD’s innovative, hybrid school. Joe strives to build empathy in students to help to create a school culture where everyone is welcomed, valued, and respected. Joe’s students have won many awards, including Digital Art awards from the SD County Fair and Museum of Photographic Arts, Jostens yearbook awards, Outstanding Activities and Leadership Program awards, and the California Association of Student Leaders Service Award. Joe’s awards include the Bob Burton Spirit Award, Area G Service Award, SD County Fair Teacher of the Year, School & District Teacher of the Year, honored as one of San Diego County’s top Teachers, Teen Ink’s Educator of the Year, and California’s designee for the Warren Shull Award. What is truly remarkable is Joe has accomplished all he has while battling a rare & incurable auto-immune disease. His story is truly inspirational for students and teachers alike.    

How are you finishing off the semester before Winter Break?  While many classrooms finish with final exams, as learner-centered practitioners, we understand that it's far more POWERFUL to let our students share their learning.  Public Exhibitions are one of the best ways to do this.  Exhibitions provide the perfect platform for learners to share their learning journeys, artifacts/products and work they developed along the way, and the transformations they experienced as a result.  How, as learner-centered practitioners, do we ensure our exhibitions provide this opportunity?  Using real case studies and concrete examples, I provide 5 key things to consider. Through these 5 simple tips, you will learn how to curate a beautiful space; equip students; foster audience and visitor interaction; and empower learners to take control of the process.  Read on the Blog: https://transformschool.com/2023/12/03/exhibiting-student-work-five-things-to-consider/  Take the 12 Shifts Scorecard: https://transformschool.com/12shiftsmastermind/  Get the free 'PBL Starter Kit': https://transformschool.com/pblstarterkit/   

How do we better include learners and learning profiles often left behind in traditional settings? What if we could custom-fit learning experiences around their unique strengths, gifts, capabilities and needs? What if understanding the brain's intracacies and high yield therapeutic approaches helped us support and empower them in the learning process?   In this episode, Cheryl, Founder and Acting Head of Cajal Academy addresses these questions in context of a program tailor-made for what she calls 'exceptional learners.' All learners, year 1-12 have analytical/reasoning/creative thinking skills in the 'gifted' range, coupled with pronounced learning, social and emotional differences. Through our conversation, we learn how to: Create environments that invite, excite and stimulate these 'exceptional learners'  Design scaffolds to support these learners through learning journeys and project-based experiences Use neuroscience to help amplify their special strengths, and overcome their challenges Include them in the process   Unravel tips, strategies and insights that pave the way for classrooms where every project is an opportunity for diverse minds to shine!  Connect with Cheryl: LinkedIn Learn more about Cajal Academy: https://www.cajalacademy.org/  Sign up for the PBL Symposium: https://www.21c-learning.com/events/student-agency-and-pbl-symposium/  Take the 12 Shifts for 'Learner-Centered Environments' Scorecard: https://transformschool.com/12shiftsmastermind  Cheryl's Bio:  Cheryl is the co-founder, President and acting Head of School for Cajal Academy, Inc.: a new, non-profit independent school that is innovating education by integrating insights from the fields of neuropsychology and neurophysiology to make them actionable in the classroom. She is also the Founder and CEO of freedible, the social sharing platform where people with specialty diets can find and share the recipes, life hacks and community they need to thrive. What these two ventures have in common is a passion for creating inclusive and scientifically-informed solutions at the social level to the challenges posed by individual differences and disabilities. And, they fuel my love for tackling complex problems, picking apart the details and creating from them a new whole. I am also a passionate advocate for others; I believe that a solution that only works for people with education, resources or health is no solution at all. Her two driving passions are inclusion and empowerment; connecting with new people, whether it's one-on-one or as a public speaker, runs a close third. Cheryl 'wears her heart' on her sleeve, and believes in the responsibility of speaking her own mind- determined to leave this world a better place than it was when she found it.     

How much voice and ownership do you provide students in their learning journey?  I understand the fears the fears of inviting too much input:  What if students go in a direction I can’t support? Steer too far away from mandated curriculum? Decide on projects and products I’ve never developed myself? And so oftentimes we keep learning experiences locked in a tightly sealed, ‘teacher-centred box.’ But what happens when we open up that box? Provide some basic parameters and frameworks, but invite students to help choose how to fill it? What might student engagement and empowerment look like then? In my conversation with learner-centered practitioner, Dr. Dom discusses her experience with a project she 'co-designed' with learners fromm start to finish. She shares her journey of involving students in developing learning materials, building partnerships with local schools to enhance the English curriculum, and the creation of 'Teaching Materials.' From our conversation, we learn the importance of forming driving questions for projects, facilitating feedback and reflection, and nurturing collaboration and inquiry among students.  We leave equipped with tools to start the process with our own students.  Connect with Dom on Instagram. LinkedIn.  Dr. Dom's PBL Website: Resources, Reflection and Journey  Dom's Bio:  Dom currently teaches primary at KPIS International School in Thailand. Dedicated to educational development Dom is a researcher and educator with proficient career history in varied environments, and considers herself an easily approachable and professionally presented individual. A great ability to communicate, build and maintain rapport over wide range of cultures and social backgrounds. Prior self-employment has created a strong motivation to progress efficiently throughout her career. With a pro-active and enthusiastic attitude, Dom is always keen to further develop both leadership principles and strategy execution, within the school environment. Dom believes that, “a social and emotional learning influence is visibly beneficial to another’s academic development.”

There are several skills that are hard to build in students within the walls of a classroom. Skills like leadership, community building, survival, mentorship, global citizenship, and expedition planning.  On expeditions outside of the classroom, these skills come naturally; whether it's assisting farmers plant in the marshes of Indonesia (pictured above), or cultural treks to learn about isolated tribes' way of living in the jungles of Thailand.  Justin Bedard, co-founder of Jump! and expert Experiential Learning Facilitator leads teams of students in these kind of experiences on a regular basis. In partnering with schools, his team of facilitators grow global citizens, while supporting classroom teachers to transform from subject teachers to experiential learning facilitators. In our podcast interview, we learn as new experiential learning facilitators: The key components of experiential learning and how it differs from traditional learning How to support students in honing and developing these skills   Create the conditions, big questions, and environment that allows for deeper experiential learning to take root within our schools and communities How to connect experiential learning opportunities meaningfully to our curriculum   How to develop the mindsets and tool set required to shift from a teacher to experiential learning facilitators  Connect with Justin: LinkedIn (@justinbedard12) Learn more about Jump!: https://jumpfoundation.org/  Take the 12 shifts scorecard around transitioning from teacher to facilitator: https://transformschool.com/12shiftsmastermind/  Sign up for the PBL Symposium on 'Building Student Agency Through PBL:' https://www.21c-learning.com/events/student-agency-and-pbl-symposium/  Justin's Bio: Born in Lilongwei, Malawi, Justin spent my childhood in Indonesia and formative years in China. Justin has a strong passion for community development and educational innovation which is the foundation of which The JUMP! Foundation has been built. Throughout his life, Justin has built a focused commitment to youth development programs around the world.  Wearing many hats, he has had the chance to carry out his passion for adventure guiding, organizational consulting, leadership facilitation, community development, and time playing in the wilderness. As a speaker, Justin is comfortable speaking to international audiences of up to 1,000. He is excited to share my thoughts, perspectives and strategies with educators, NGOs, youth leaders, and other Changemakers worldwide.