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

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

Latest episodes

undefined
Feb 1, 2023 • 39min

From MakerSpace to MakerMindset w/Mark Loundy

It's not unusual to find MakerSpaces popping up on several school campuses as a way to offer students hands on learning opportunities.  But does 'making' have to be confined to the MakerSpace for only a few classes per week? What would happen if ALL educators adopted a 'maker' mindset, and provided hands on opportunities that spanned all classrooms, subjects and learners?  My guest and MakerSpace Founder Mark Loundy discusses how to adopt this mindset, and the transformations we can see in schools as a result. We learn how to:  Develop project-based experiences that allow for 'making' across all subjects  Help the MakerSpace be accessible to all parts of the school depending on the learning experience  Build the WHY for the MakerSpace before the HOW Develop a school culture that values flexibility, innovation and tinkering Transition from 'MakerSpace' to 'MakerMindset'  Get in touch with Mark: LinkedIn, Twitter (@markloundy), Facebook, Website.  Story of the 'CREATE' MakerSpace: https://k5create.blogspot.com/p/the-story-of-create.html Apply for the PBL Collab and Grab Monthly Forums: https://forms.gle/2vzPknQbeuzTE3h47  Mark's Bio: Mark Loundy is a former journalist, photographer and social media pioneer. As an online community manager at GeoCities at the turn of the century, he helped build the foundations of what we now call social media. He brings all of those skills to education as an innovative instructional technology specialist in Silicon Valley. He is a three-time Ignited Fellow, working at Lockheed Martin on classified military communications satellites and at Meta (Facebook,) exploring global supply chain issues. He founded and operates the first makerspace in the Cupertino Union School District and lead both the video production team and after-school tech team. The tech team created a coding language to operate a human "computer" in a virtual reality environment.
undefined
Jan 18, 2023 • 42min

Capturing Evidence of Student Growth in PBL Experiences w/ Aaron Schorn

It's easy in project-based experiences to get caught up in the shiny final 'product' at the end. But just like the tip of an iceberg, the product is only a small part of a much deeper PROCESS of learning taking place underneath. How do we capture that process, and make it more visible? What simple tool might allow learners to document that process on their own? Welcome to Unrulr, a social learning app that makes holisitic learner growth visible through capturing authentic moments throughout the PBL process.   In this short podcast interview, I sit down with Unrulr's Head of Growth, Aaron Schorn to learn how we as edu-transformers can: Better elicit student reflection through the PBL process Capture evidence of learner growth    Make learning experiences feel more social, and community driven   Help learners create 'learning journeys' to share their story of learning through meaningful project-based experiences  Connect with Aaron on LInkedIN and Twitter.  Learn more about Unrulr: Unrulr.com  Learn more about the upcoming PBL Collab and Grab global forums and submit an interest form. https://forms.gle/mHo16AJoKMVHQJe8A  Aaron's Bio: Aaron is Head of Growth and Learning at Unrulr, where he works to make learning visible and joyful. He is also a teacher, program director, and co-designer of student-agency-driven learning communities around the globe. His work is focused on apprenticeship, craftsmanship, storytelling, and providing youth with the space, time, resources, and methodologies to turn their ideas into iterative realities. Aaron's professional background includes education, international business, digital storytelling, and operations/management. At the Nalukai Foundation, Aaron creates and implements entrepreneurship schema and curriculum rooted in culture, hustles to find mentors, and waxes poetic on authentic storytelling. Aaron was also the former K-12 Capstone Coordinator at HPA on Hawai'i Island. Read more about his journey in this Getting Smart article.
undefined
Jan 5, 2023 • 45min

Enlarging the IMPACT of PBL experiences w/ Stacey Duchrow

Many powerful project-based experiences are borne inside Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, electives, STEM or after school classes. But for most of these PBL experiences, that's where they stay.  What would happen if these project-based experiences moved beyond the walls of these progams and into the mainstream curriculum and broader community? What IMPACT might they have then?  In this podcast interview I chat with Stacey Duchrow, the Director of workforce solutions at KTEC technical school, to chat around how she enlarges the impact of PBL by moving it beyond the walls of CTE, and how we as edu-transformers can as well by: Building strategic industry partnerships Collaborating across disciplines to align on a common vision/graduate profile Empowering learners to continue projects long past their due date  Framing assessment around key competencies like problem solving, cognitive flexibility, team collaboration and more   Learn more about KTEC: www.ktecschools.org View their profile of a graduate: https://www.ktecschools.org/what-sets-us-apart/  List of Learner Competencies Connect with Stacey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-duchrow-a068a5140/  Join the Global Community of PBL Practioners for Monthly Forums: Interest Form Stacey's Bio:  Stacey Duchrow was appointed to KTEC High School’s Director of Workforce Solutions, a new career and technical education focused charter school. She brings numerous years of educational and industrial experience to the position. Although Duchrow started her industry career as a Microbiologist at Abbott Labs, she soon discovered her passion for education. An experienced science teacher with Kenosha Unified School District and Union Grove High School, Duchrow also served in numerous roles outside the classroom. At Union Grove she was STEM coordinator, career & academies coordinator, district assessment coordinator, and RTI coordinator, all while developing three STEM pathways and working to strengthen the school’s college and career-ready culture. Following Union Grove, Duchrow was the manager of Business and Educational Partnerships for Milwaukee 7 Regional Economic Development (M7). She worked to foster career pathways, career-based learning, and STEM education throughout Southeastern Wisconsin during her tenure. In addition, she partnered with numerous organizations throughout the region to strengthen business and educational partnerships. After leaving M7, she returned to KUSD, serving as the assistant principal at KTEC East. During her time at KTEC East, she created a Festo Mechatronics camp that allowed 8th-graders to gain industry-driven skills in automation technology by gaining an NC3 certification. Her passion is creating a curriculum pathway that helps all students find their future through robust career exploration and unique skill-based learning opportunities.
undefined
Dec 21, 2022 • 18min

Buiiding Learner-Centered Environments that support Learner-Centered EXPERIENCES w/ Ashley Durdle

Many schools spend millions of dollars on state of the art learning environments, yet few of them have the desired impact on learners. Why?  Because they weren't designed WITH the learners, and integrally connected to learner-centered EXPERIENCES.  In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Durdle of world renowned Verso Inernational School to discuss how to seamlessly connect the two.  Learn how their flexible, modular, and dynamic environments supports dynamic project-based experiences, and you might adapt yours to do the same.  This video is part of a '12 days of PBL' holiday series. Get access to all 12 videos here: www.transformschool.com/12daysofpbl  Connect with Ashley: ashley.d@verso.ac.th  Learn more about Verso: https://www.verso.ac.th/ Tour the Verso Campus and Design Dynamic Learning Experiences during the 21st Century Learning Conference: https://www.21clconf.org/item/tackling-global-sustainable-development-goals/
undefined
Dec 7, 2022 • 43min

Addressing global Issues through local, curriculum connected projects and partnerships w/ Margo LaPointe

The SDGs (sustainable development goals) have become a huge focal point for many schools.  With climate change, water pollution, and elimination of biodiversity effecting the entire planet, it makes complete sense. But how do we address these HUGE issues on a local level?  In this podcast episode, I sit down with Margo LaPointe, director of award winning Seaview Learning, to hear how her students are addressing these issues through hands-on projects in Kingston, Massachussetts. Students are lowering their carbon footprint by co-constructing log cabins from damaged, indigenous trees; and improving water quality, by creating natural filtration systems in their local pond. They are infusing mandated curriculum and key 21st century skills through each home grown project.  Learn how to design these kind of experiences, and build the local and global partnerships that ensure they fly!  Find out more about Seaview Learning: www.seaviewlearning.org  Connect with Seaview Learning and Margo: Twitter (@margo25893202), Facebook (@seaviewlearning), Instagram (seaview_learning). LinkedIn  Margo's Bio: Margo LaPointe is the Founder of an award-winning innovative education model which strives to answer the question, "If the purpose of education is to prepare students for their future, how can we best deliver?" The model delivers project based learning mapped to students developing a resume and portfolio of real-world experiences including working on projects with a Boston architect in applying STEM to build a green design eco-friendly building, a Massachusetts State Representative to develop a student-led initiative based on The James Ward Act,, and the United Nations COP 27 in Egypt on The Global Water Crisis. The innovative education model includes whole child education experiential learning, and wellness practices incorporated into the school day in developing Social Emotional Learning and work-life balance as a means to fuel academic success. Marrying the work of Ted Dintersmith ("Most Likely To Succeed", "What School Could Be") with The Boy Scouts of America properties as a school campus, the model has won Top 5 Private Middle Schools in Boston, Massachusetts and Greater New England by Boston Parents Family Favorite, and placed BOSS 2022 Best Private Elementary School on the South Shore with a feature in South Shore Home, Life & Style magazine. LaPointe was named, "Most Influential Women Leaders of 2022" by global business magazine, The Victory, and is currently developing innovative education models for students nationally across the United States, as well as a Student Ambassador program for the United Nations which will create opportunities for students on a global scope. Margo LaPointe has accepted an invitation to support educators working in all education models internationally, as a Facilitator in the Transform Education PBL Network so that as many children who would benefit from what we do, and how we do it, can access this opportunity across the world. 
undefined
Nov 24, 2022 • 54min

Developing creative problem solvers through small, inter-disciplinary learning communities w/Jeff Harwood and Amber Kotcher

Lots of large international schools are seeking ways to make learning experiences more relevant, interdisciplinary and project/problem-based.  Yet between fixed timetables, a demanding curriculum, large student bodies, and siloed subjects, they are finding it difficult to do more than offer a few lessons per week.  What if there was a way to make experiences like these the main course?  In this podcast, I sit down with Amber Kotcher and Jeff Harwood, coordinators of the PRAXIS program, a small micro-learning commmunity in the International School of Kuala Lumpur that does just that. Through a flexible timetable and learner-centered approach, it develops creative, collaborative problem-solvers by organizing Science, English, Social Studies and Art/Design around complex and compelling problems that demand an interdisciplinary approach to address.  Learn more about the program and how you too can: Re-organize your curriculum around complex and compelling problems Help students become IB, AP, Citizen, Career and most importantly 'Happinness Ready.'  Integrate siloed subjects seamlessly through meaningful questions Transform learning from artificial learning activities, to REAL life experiences   Learn more about the Praxis Program: https://www.iskl.edu.my/learning-at-iskl/high-school/praxis-program/  Hear a student perspective: https://youtu.be/04x8tFtSueQ.  Connect w/ Amber Kotcher, Program Coordinator: akotcher@iskl.edu.my  Connect w/ Jeff Harwood, Assistant Principal: jharwood@iskl.edu.my Amber's Bio: Amber Kotcher is the PRAXIS Program Coordinator at the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL). “PRAXIS is an integrated learning program which reimagines the school experience at ISKL. Learning is anchored in complex, real-world challenges, empowering students to thrive in a dynamic present and future. PRAXIS 2030 fosters creative exploration, effective collaboration, and active problem-solving through a differentiated and flexible thinking space. Students reflect deeply and act with agency and empathy to make a positive difference in our world”. Amber has taught Art and Design K-12 in the USA, S Korea, Vietnam, and Israel for the past 15 years. Along with teaching she has held various leadership roles in schools and is an advocate for student leadership, student voice, and student agency in learning in high schools. Jeff Harwood is the High School Assistant Principal at the International School of Kuala Lumpur. Prior to his role at ISKL Jeff worked as the Dean of Students, College/Pastoral Counselor and Literature Teacher at the Rabat American School in Morocco. Before moving overseas and working in private schools, Jeff worked as a public school teacher and counselor. He has experience in implementing alternative education programs that are rooted in problem based learning that foster student agency and connect academic learning to the world beyond academia.  Jeff's Bio: Jeff Harwood is the High School Assistant Principal at the International School of Kuala Lumpur. Prior to his role at ISKL Jeff worked as the Dean of Students, College/Pastoral Counselor and Literature Teacher at the Rabat American School in Morocco. Before moving overseas and working in private schools, Jeff worked as a public school teacher and counselor. He has experience in implementing alternative education programs that are rooted in problem based learning that foster student agency and connect academic learning to the world beyond academia. 
undefined
Nov 16, 2022 • 38min

Transforming your classroom into a student-run business w/ Elyse Burden and John Cahalin

Imagine your most challenging students- The ones who can't sit still, blurt out, submit low- quality work, have difficulty working with others, and seem totally checked out suddenly self-managing, coming in voluntarily after class, submitting polished work, and leading teams. That's what happened in several classrooms when they were transformed into canvases for student-run businesses.  These forward thinking educators are making the magic happen with the support of an organisation called ‘Real World Scholars.’ And their ‘EdCorps’ model has garnished national attention. To date over 600 student businesses have been created, 600 + classrooms transformed, and more than 50,000 young lives forever changed. I sat down with founders John Cahalin and Elyse Burden to learn more about the model, and how we as learner-centered practitioners can use it to: Make our classroom come alive Tranform our students into real entrepreneurs and business 'co-founders' Give our boring ‘standards’ a real world lens Empower our traditionally disengaged learners Help learners discover their passions, interests, and most importantly how to make a difference Connect with John: Twitter (@JohnCahalin1)  Connect with Elyse: Twitter (@LyzBurden), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elyse-burden/) Learn more about Real World Scholars Success Stories: Wicked Soap Company: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2FXk2kNEhQ), Articles: 'Non-Profit Brings Business to Life', Sugar Kids Beauty John Cahalin's Bio:  Elyse Burden's Bio:
undefined
Nov 9, 2022 • 43min

Co- creating learning spaces for PBL to fly w/ Michelle and Bridgitte

So many schools are spending millions of dollars to reconfigure learning environments to be more fit for the '21st century' and project-based learning. But when the spaces are finally built, they don't have the effect on teaching and learning that they desired.  Why? Because the LEARNERS weren't involved in designing them.  But what if they were? And what if it was their first project?  In this episode, I sat down with Natural Pod CEO Bridegitte Alomes and CSO Michelle Carpenter to discuss their process for designing learning environments which include ALL stakeholders. Learn more about this process and how including learners in proposal writing, presentations, prototypes, and 3-D renderings for learning spaces informed the build for one of the most innovative campuses in the country!  Learn more and connect with Natural Pod: Instagram/Twitter (@naturalpod), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/2749692/), Website (www.naturalpod.com)  Bridgitte Alomes Bio: Bridgitte Alomes, Founder and CEO of Natural Pod, is a thought leader dedicated to creating better learning environments through the use of beautifully designed, high quality education furniture made from healthy, sustainable materials, with an emphasis on environmental awareness and stewardship. Through her work with Natural Pod, Bridgitte is committed to sharing the importance of learning environment design with the global education and design community, shifting the paradigm of learning spaces toward a more collaborative, intentional, and student-centric model. Bridgitte also serves as President on the board of the Green Schools National Network, creating broad-based initiatives aimed at fostering healthy, sustainable K-12 schools. Michelle Carpenter's Bio: Michelle E. Carpenter is the chief strategy officer (CSO) at Natural Pod, a company focused on creating better learning environments. Michelle specializes in developing, communicating, executing, and sustaining strategic initiatives, ensuring Natural Pod thoughtfully supports students and educators within their learning environments. Michelle is deeply engaged with A4LE, specifically the SchoolsNEXT student design competition, where students design their version of the school of the future.
undefined
Nov 1, 2022 • 54min

Teens making change and fostering social justice through an 'Innovators Compass' w/ Ela Bur

How can the most innovative square mile on the planet also be plagued by racial injustice 2 blocks away? And what can we do about it? This is just one of the many difficult questions teens at 'Innovators For Purpose' are tackling through project-based experiences they design in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They are building installations. Publishing books. Creating augmented reality simulations. Building educational games. And producing podcasts. And they are using a few simple, innovative tools to guide them.  In this interview, we unpack some of these innovative tools including the 'Innovators Compass,' with its creator Ela Bur, and co-founders of 'Innovators For a Purpose' Michael and Donna Dawson. Through our short chat you will learn how to use similar tools to seamlessly facilitate a multitude of student projects within your own context, and transform the community as a result. Sample Innovators' Compass for Two Blocks Project:  Connect with Ela on LinkedIn, Twitter (@elabenur)  Connect with Donna on LinkedIn.  Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.  Learn more about 'Innovators' for a Purpose': Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website: innovatorsforpurpose.org  Learn more about the 'Innovators' Compass' and '2 Blocks Project:' https://innovatorsforpurpose.org/2blocks  Michael Dawson's Bio: Co-founder and CEO of IFp, career has spanned engineering, marketing and sales in High Tech as well as entrepreneurial endeavors resulting in a hybrid of technical skills, business acumen, design savviness, relationship building abilities and an undeniable entrepreneurial spirit. Holds Bachelor & Master in Electrical Engineering Degrees from the University of South Florida and an MBA from Babson College. Donna Dawson's Bio: Co-founder of iFp, VP Youth Empowerment, visionary thinker with a zeal for art and the art making process. Inventive art educator with a proven capacity for promoting a respectful, caring, safe and inclusive classroom. Creates engaging learning experiences focused on Human Centered Design Principles, Character Development and Professional Identity that inspires youth to pursue Design and STEM careers. Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education with over 20 years teaching experience and a certified K-12 instructor.  Ela's Bio: Ela supports educators and organizations making postive change with Design Thinking. Over 13 prior years at innovation firm IDEO, Ela was a design practitioner, project leader, team coach, facilitator for clients, and co-founder of IDEO’s Leadership Studio. Ela teaches courses from product design to life design at pioneering Olin College. She has led featured workshops at venues from MIT (her alma mater) to the National Science Teachers’ Association, AIGA, International Development Design Summit, and US Conference on AIDS. With many co-experimenters, she developed Innovators’ Compass (#innovatorscompass, innovatorscompass.org), 5 powerful questions in one visual tool used from preschools to companies and communities to creatively and collaboratively navigate challenges. Ela’s daughters are her inspiration. 
undefined
Oct 26, 2022 • 39min

A Week off the Timetable: Powering up PBL and Transforming Culture at your school with project intensives w/ Zach Post

What would happen to learning if you collapsed the timetable, paired teachers, and co-designed community and passion driven projects? This is what American International School does for one week each year with its "PBL intensives." It is now in iteration 3.0.  The results have been incredible...  Teachers have re-configured their classrooms to be more learner-centered. Built partnerships for learning experiences with the community to make them more authentic.  Invited student voice and agency to ensure learning meets their needs.  In short, it's transformed the culture around teaching and learning. Zachary Post, the Midddle School Principal was at the helm of these PBL intensives. I sat down with Zach to learn a bit more about them, and how we can use a week off the timetable to accelerate, onboard, and 'power up' PBL on our own campuses as well.     Connect w/ Zach: zpost@ais.edu.hk Watch the Trailer Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TFsBDSPXp0MJ1FlntvyLLdhwp1BM_7d0/view  EARCOS write-up around the PBL intensives: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zkkf9yYJkbeWefanyRh-D7iFKBnFgwlh/view  Zach's Bio: With 21 years of experience, including serving as a middle school principal at the American International School in Hong Kong since 2016, Zach has dedicated his career to building organizational capacity in support of project-based learning. In the early 2000s, Zach started his career at a progressive charter school in Portland, Oregon. Since 2009, he has worked internationally, including the Carol Morgan School in the Dominican Republic, Saigon South Intl. School in Vietnam, and the American Intl. School in Hong Kong. Zach has often presented at regional conferences and offered professional development on project-based learning. He is most interested in opening up pathways for teacher leadership and creating the conditions for innovation to take hold. Cognitive Coaching and Critical Friends Group work have been important components that have helped Zach to collectively establish a culture of trust, collaboration, and reflection amongst faculty and students. Zach is happy to exchange ideas and resource and can be reached at zpost@ais.edu.hk.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app