PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning – Details, episodes & analysis

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What if the key to unlocking student potential lies in transforming traditional teaching methods? We explore this question with the innovator, Lauran Kerr-Heraly, Ph.D., from Houston Community College, who is revolutionizing classrooms through active learning, Project Based Learning (PBL), and gamification. Lauran shares her approaches that bring history to life, illustrating how smaller class sizes at her college provide the perfect environment for creative experimentation. Her techniques, including turning a classroom into an escape room, aim to inspire curiosity and prepare students for real-world challenges by enhancing critical thinking and teamwork.

Tune in as we dissect the pivotal role of executive function skills in education and how the pandemic has magnified their importance. We debunk myths about students naturally mastering skills like time management and focus by the time they reach college. Instead, we emphasize the necessity of intentionally teaching these skills through PBL. This episode explains how breaking down tasks and understanding motivation can empower students to conquer academic and professional hurdles.

Join us as we champion the power of partnerships and community in education. By gradually reducing the support students need, educators can cultivate a sense of ownership and self-sufficiency in learners. Lauran shares an inspiring success story of a student who thrived through a personalized oral history project, underscoring the transformative impact of individualized education.

CONNECT WITH LAURAN
www.linkedin.com/in/laurankerrheraly

www.instagram.com/altering.course

www.twitter.com/ProfessorLKH 

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PBL Simplified Podcast Links

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Join us for an eye-opening episode where Jared and Jen, the dynamic co-founders of Forget the Rankings, challenge the traditional perceptions of college selection. They push back against the prestige-driven mindset, urging us to reconsider what truly matters in the college search. Through their engaging conversation, you'll learn about a values-based approach that prioritizes personal happiness and fulfillment. Jared shares a memorable anecdote illustrating why we should celebrate every student's journey, not just those who reach elite institutions. Jen echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's motivations and priorities in the college landscape.

Our discussion unfolds with an exploration of how conventional college criteria, like size and location, often overshadow the deeper question of what brings joy and purpose to a student's life. We unpack innovative techniques such as card sorting and guided questioning, offering a personalized roadmap for first-generation college students who might find the process overwhelming. The insights shared by Jared and Jen are invaluable not only for students but also for parents, coaches, and guardians who wish to support them on this journey.

As we confront the challenges posed by the obsession with rankings, we also spotlight the often-overlooked benefits of smaller liberal arts colleges. Jared and Jen advocate for a shift away from the pressures perpetuated by the college admissions industry, encouraging a paradigm where educational choices are genuinely reflective of personal values. By doing so, we hope to spark a broader societal change that promotes long-term fulfillment and happiness, reducing the high rates of career dissatisfaction and financial burdens faced by many.

CONNECT WITH FORGET THE RANKINGS

Instagram:  @forget_the_rankings

Facebook:  Forget The Rankings:  The Values-Driven College Search

LinkedIn:  Forget the Rankings

TikTok:  @forget_the_rankings

Twitter (X):  @f_the_rankings

forgettherankings.com


JOIN THE ONLINE PBL COMMUNITY

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www.pblshare.com 

ORDER THE BOOK PBL SIMPLIFIED (affiliate link)

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SCHEDULE A PBL TRAINING WITH MAGNIFY LEARNING

https://resources.magnifylearningin.org/onsite-workshops

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Some of the links above are affiliate links which means we get a small commission on anything you purchase using that link (at no more cost to you). As Amazon As

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Curious about transforming your approach to educational leadership? Join us for a conversation with Danny Bauer, the visionary behind Better Leaders, Better Schools and the new ruckusmakers.club. Danny shares his journey from promoting incremental improvements to championing radical, exponential change. He reveals the inspirations behind his latest venture and offers insights on how to foster a community of innovative school leaders ready to revolutionize education.

Discover the power of shifting focus from negative behaviors to celebrating positive actions in classrooms. We discuss the transformative impact of positive reinforcement, emotional intelligence, and the practical Positive Spotlight Tool. Through personal stories, learn how recognizing bright spots and practicing gratitude can create a more rewarding learning environment for both educators and students. Danny’s strategies provide actionable steps to reduce disciplinary actions and enhance classroom engagement.

Leadership is more than just steering the ship; it's about amplifying successes and inspiring your team to greatness. Explore a five-step tool designed to boost leadership effectiveness by celebrating and connecting achievements to your broader mission. We also delve into attracting and nurturing visionary "ruckus makers" in your organization, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and collaboration. This episode is packed with strategies to foster a culture of shared vision and excellence, ensuring lasting, positive change in educational settings.

POSTIVE SPOTLIGHT TOOL
https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/resources/


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www.pblshare.com 

ORDER THE BOOK PBL SIMPLIFIED (affiliate link)

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SCHEDULE A PBL TRAINING WITH MAGNIFY LEARNING

https://resources.magnifylearningin.org/onsite-workshops

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It's our last episode of the year. We get to talk about reflection. Reflection is a huge part of Project Based Learning. John Maxwell said, "Experience isn't the best teacher, evaluated experience is the best teacher." It's possible to do the wrong thing over and over and never learn from it. 

When you take the time to reflect, you can learn from the experience. I also want to thank everyone for listening and please share this podcast. Become the person who is known for sharing great resources. I also talk about having gratitude and thanking those people you appreciate. Focus on the gain, not the gap, and have a wonderful year!

Episode Highlights: 

[01:47] Being on the hamster wheel without reflection can burn you out and stifle improvement. 

[03:01] Look back on this last year or semester and write down highlights. Have a gratitude journal. 

[04:57] Who are the people in your life that you are grateful for? Send them a note and tell them you appreciate them.

[07:39] We want to focus on the gain, not the gap. 

[09:54] What will you be grateful for at the end of the year? Write down in first person the goals and people that you are grateful for at the end of the future year. 

[12:48] Reach out to potential mentors and experts who have something to share. If they don't have time, reach out to someone else. 

[14:40] Relaunch your vision. All Beginnings are hopeful.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• What is PBL?
• Ask Ryan
• PBL Simplified: 6 Steps to Move Project Based Learning from Idea to Reality
• Magnify Learning YouTube
• Project Based Learning Stories and Structures: Wins, Fails, and Where to Start
• Ryan Steuer Twitter @ryansteuer
• The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success

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Dr. Adam Drummond is here to talk about leadership, education, and some great principles from his book, The Instructional Change Agent. Dr. Drummond has a vast array of educational experience. He served as an elementary teacher and then moved up in the ranks becoming a principal and beyond. 

He’s served as a consultant, manager, director, and keynoter for the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). He shares his vast knowledge and experience in this interview.

We have a “need to know” about how we make sure that we’re implementing PBL with fidelity. I talk about the importance of authenticity and real-world growth. Support your staff to build competence and then they can train others. 

Episode Highlights: 

[02:01] How do we make sure we're implementing PBL with fidelity?

[02:35] The first people who implement PBL at your school will begin to define PBL at your school. Show a growth mindset, because your facilitators will expect feedback in terms of growth.

[09:38] Having a positive educational experience forms a positive educational attitude. Impact matters.

[10:41] Dr. Drummond knew he wanted to be in education since he was in the first grade. 

[13:07] It's important to understand each individual child's true needs. 

[17:24] Creating number one resources to match your goal. 

[20:25] We need our workforce to grow with the four E's: employment, enlistment, enrollment, and entrepreneurship.

[23:28] Dr. Drummond shares how their community advisory team benefits their school and instruction. 

[26:56] Where do you want to be five years from now? Five questions to get there. 

[34:50] Looking at what is translating into student achievement and growth. 

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• What is PBL?
• Ask Ryan
• PBL Simplified: 6 Steps to Move Project Based Learning from Idea to Reality
• Magnify Learning YouTube
• Project Based Learning Stories and Structures: Wins, Fails, and Where to Start
• Ryan Steuer Twitter @ryansteuer
• The Dip
• Dr. Adam Drummond
• International Center for Leadership in Education
• Dr. Adam Drummond Twitter
• Dr. Adam Drummond LinkedIn
• The Instructional Change Agent: 48 Ways to Be the Leader Your School Needs

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This is a special working episode. If you listened to episode 107 where I talked with Banff Academy, they asked me to answer a couple of "need to knows" that they have. This episode is the working session where we talked through their "need to know" questions.

I’d also love your feedback on this episode. Would you like more of these working sessions? Go to WhatIsPBL.com and click on Ask Ryan and let me know! Today we talk about how to deliver PBL on a large scale with multiple teachers and more. 

Episode Highlights: 

[04:28] How to maintain consistency when one project is being delivered to multiple classes with a variety of teachers? Scaling PBL. 

[05:29] A community partner can present to everyone. Have a consistent message. Then teachers can dive in individually. 

[09:09] Community partners do like to get back to the community.

[09:39] Prioritize what needs to be consistent and what doesn't.

[10:47] How would you incorporate PBL into qualification level classes? 

[12:26] Ask the teachers what they want the learners to know by the time they leave school. Educators get fired up about the solution process. We can achieve these goals and meet standards. 

[18:14] Hannah and Nick want the learners to be asking for PBL by the time they become seniors.

[19:02] Problem Based Learning can be 4 to 6 days or a smaller chunk than PBL. 

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• What is PBL?
• Ask Ryan
• PBL Simplified: 6 Steps to Move Project Based Learning from Idea to Reality
• Magnify Learning YouTube
• Project Based Learning Stories and Structures: Wins, Fails, and Where to Start
• Ryan Steuer Twitter @ryansteuer
• E107 - PBL Showcase - How to Start a PBL School - Banff Academy

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I'm fired up about 51% by 2051 and getting 51% of schools using Project Based Learning by 2051. My last episode was about setting goals. Goals get you fired up, so take some time and write out your goals. Get fired up about PBL like today's guest Banff Academy from Scotland. 

I also have a “need to know” from a live workshop in Kentucky. It’s all about will PBL work at your school. In episode 88, I talked about Lucas Research on learners from less advantaged backgrounds and the positive results PBL had on their test scores. PBL is for all learners.  

Episode Highlights: 

[02:45] Need to Know: I've seen PBL work in what looks like a private school, but what about my school?

[04:12] The Lucas Foundation did some really good research about how well PBL works in many different types of schools, especially when the learners are more disadvantaged. 

[09:20] Nick Mochan is a Deputy Head Teacher at Banff Academy. Hannah Clark is the Principal Teacher of Project Based Learning at Banff Academy.

[10:06] They now have a team of three Project Based Learning teachers and a coordinator. 

[12:09] Nick and Hannah share their PBL whys. 

[17:14] They knew it would take brave leadership to implement something new like PBL. 

[18:24] Nick and Hannah are pioneering PBL in Scotland. They want to make learning more suitable to meet future learner demands. 

[26:23] Learners are changing the world by finding solutions for problems. Community partnerships are about relationships preparing the students for success. 

[32:34] Hannah shares a Pathway course where students work with local partners to find out how to create their dream jobs. 

[41:17] The teacher is in the middle facilitating the projects rather than leading. 

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• What is PBL?
• Ask Ryan
• PBL Simplified: 6 Steps to Move Project Based Learning from Idea to Reality
• Magnify Learning YouTube
• Project Based Learning Stories and Structures: Wins, Fails, and Where to Start
• Ryan Steuer Twitter @ryansteuer
• Project Based Learning Research Part 1 | E88
• Banff Academy
• Banff Academy Facebook
• BXA Project Based Learning Twitter
• Banff Academy Twitter

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January is around the corner, and it's time to set goals and plan for the new year. Even with the busyness of December, a leader needs to carve out time for deep work. 

This episode is about setting goals for the new year and being able to communicate those goals. 

I share quotes and goal setting wisdom from Dan Miller and his goal setting worksheet. Once you have all of your goals, I share the process by James Clear to ruthlessly eliminate unnecessary goals.  

Episode Highlights: 

[05:46] People with clear plans and goals don't get depressed. Moving towards the goals we set is how we define success.

[07:19] When we set goals, we need to be fired up about those goals. Set three year goals and work backwards.

[11:13] Go big with your goals and then ruthlessly eliminate the unnecessary ones. Having too many goals will prevent us from achieving the important ones. 

[11:39] James Clear says the goal tells you where to go and the habit gets you there. 

[14:02] Priority mechanisms include the Eisenhower box and the Ivy Lee method.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• What is PBL?
• Ask Ryan
• PBL Simplified: 6 Steps to Move Project Based Learning from Idea to Reality
• Magnify Learning YouTube
• Project Based Learning Stories and Structures: Wins, Fails, and Where to Start
• Ryan Steuer Twitter @ryansteuer
• Dan Miller 48-DAY GOAL SETTING CHALLENGE
• James Clear Goal Setting: A Scientific Guide to Setting and Achieving Goals
• Leadership Episode-The Key to Deep Work | E64
• James Clear Explains Warren Buffett's 25-5 Rule
• Warren Buffett's “20-Slot” Rule

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Brad Sever is currently an assistant principal at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana. He’s also an author, presenter, and PBL trainer with extensive experience in PBL and schools and classrooms. Brad has been deeply involved with the world of PBL. 

His book, Sustainable Project-Based Learning: Five Steps for Designing Authentic Classroom Experiences in Grades 5–12, is all about designing, implementing, and assessing sustainable PBL. Brad shares a wealth of PBL information including asking the right questions and what those questions are. 

Episode Highlights: 

[02:04] Brad's "why" is about providing authentic learning experiences for students.

[05:19] It's important for leaders to ask the right questions as opposed to having the right answer.

[08:49] Brad shares a student story about a Civil War interactive museum exhibit where a student went above and beyond. 

[12:30] First steps that principals can take for PBL include focusing on the interested teachers and specific questions as a school.

[15:21] Schools should be intentional about foundational knowledge, the ability to compare & contrast, and making sure students see real world application.

[21:50] The best way to sustain PBL is to conduct teacher action research during teacher collaboration time.

[24:12] Brad talks about flirting, dating, engaged, and married as an analogy to applying PBL in your school using the four questions from his book and action research. 

[26:22] Brad's advice for principals that are on the fence about PBL. 

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• What is PBL?
• Ask Ryan
• PBL Simplified: 6 Steps to Move Project Based Learning from Idea to Reality
• Magnify Learning YouTube
• Project Based Learning Stories and Structures: Wins, Fails, and Where to Start
• Ryan Steuer Twitter @ryansteuer
• Strategies For Supporting PBL In Your School Or District 
• Brad Sever Twitter
• Perseverance Education
• Sustainable Project-Based Learning: Five Steps for Designing Authentic Classroom Experiences in Grades 5–12

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Jon Acton has done it all when it comes to education. He was a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. His life took a turn when he and two of his close friends were diagnosed with cancer two years ago. He is now a motivational speaker, climate and culture consultant, and author. 

His business is called Broken Shells, based on a realization that came to him during chemotherapy. He shares his story and journey. He also talks about climate and culture, the differences, and how to have a positive learning environment. We discuss the importance of knowing your why and the significance of “expect victory” in Jon’s life. 

Episode Highlights: 

[01:42] "Need to Know" How do I create a PBL culture in my staff and classrooms?

[02:05] Care about your people and establish a positive culture. The current of culture takes you, even if you're not moving.

[07:19] Jon's "why" is making a positive influence on the kids. 

[12:43] Two years ago, Jon was diagnosed with cancer. Two of his friends also had the same diagnosis. 

[15:28] Jon loves the beach and found thousands of broken shells. During chemo, he realized that we are all broken shells. 

[20:41] Climate and culture is your foundational piece to success. Focus on climate and culture for a happy staff. 

[22:05] Climate means immediate things that you can do to enhance your classroom. Culture is more long-standing.

[26:04] You can't have a positive classroom culture with a toxic staff culture.

[29:44] Decide if you're going to be vulnerable and don't be afraid to smile and go after the things you want.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• What is PBL?
• Ask Ryan
• PBL Simplified: 6 Steps to Move Project Based Learning from Idea to Reality
• Magnify Learning YouTube
• Project Based Learning Stories and Structures: Wins, Fails, and Where to Start
• Ryan Steuer Twitter @ryansteuer
• PBL Workshops For Schools & Districts
• Community Partner Resources
• Strategies For Supporting PBL In Your School Or District 
• Jon Gordon
• Broken Shells
• Jon Acton LinkedIn
• Jon Acton Twitter
• PBL Leadership Guest - How To Create a Winning School Culture - Coach John Bacon | Episode 96