Binge PBL for Administrators by Magnify Learning

E0 - Introduction to Binge PBL for Administrators

Binge PBL for Administrators This podcast is for visionary school administrators who are exploring Project Based Learning (PBL). Over 20 episodes, this podcast will explore the top PBL topics school administrators have asked about over the last decade. The host will discuss topics such as: * Why PBL is the best approach for students and teachers * How to engage community partners * How to build a positive community perception for your school * How transforming faculty meetings can change collaboration in the classroom * This podcast will help you leave a legacy of doing what is best for teachers and kids and lead inspired for the rest of your career. * PBL Leadership Success Stories * Cynthia from Kentucky, a principal of a Title One elementary school who wants more for her students - * Shannon from Florida, a principal who has every teacher PBL certified and wants her students to reach the highest level of success possible. Key takeaways: This podcast will provide administrators with a free accelerated jump start to their PBL journey with a ton of resources along the way. PBL helps students achieve the highest level of success possible. Listeners are encouraged to rate and review the show to help other inspired leaders find their why and lead inspired. Resources: Episode 1: Listeners will receive a toolkit to get started. Episode 5: Listeners will receive a free copy of Ryan Steuer’s book “PBL Simplified”. Episode 10: Listeners will receive a free YouTube series specifically for administrators. Sign up for Design Days [https://magnifylearningin.com/book-onsite-workshop/] to catapult your PBL journey forward. Design Days take place when Magnify Learning hosts you and your leadership team at one of their national PBL Model Schools to see the work and plan the work. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com [https://www.magnifypbl.com]

E1 - Why PBL is Best for Kids...and Teachers and Administrators

Why is PBL Best for Kids and Teachers? This podcast is for visionary school administrators who are exploring Project Based Learning (PBL). This episode focuses on how PBL is beneficial for students, teachers, and administrators. The host, Ryan Steuer, shares stories about how PBL has transformed the lives of students and teachers, and he explains how administrators can lead their schools to success with PBL. Key Takeaways: PBL helps students develop context and "handles" for learning, become empowered, and get introduced to different careers. PBL helps teachers teach the way they've always wanted to teach, become empowered problem solvers, and improve their teaching practices through transparency. PBL helps administrators lead their schools instead of just managing them, build strong schools that can thrive even without them, and create a legacy of success. Administrators can create a new future for their schools with PBL by having a clear vision, building confidence, and rolling through that vision. Resource: WhatisPBL.com [https://www.WhatisPBL.com] Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to rate and review the show to help other inspired leaders find their why and lead inspired. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com [https://www.magnifypbl.com]

E2 - What is PBL?

What is PBL? Welcome to the Binge PBL for Administrators podcast, brought to you by Magnify Learning! This episode answers the question: What is PBL? What is PBL? * An engaging, real-world instructional model that is scalable. * Brings together various initiatives like SEAL, personalization, engagement, and empowerment. * More than just a curriculum - Magnify Learning helps teachers become curriculum creators rather than providing a pre-made curriculum. * Defined as an inquiry-based approach focused on solving real-world problems, not just scenarios. * Fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and student agency, helping students shift from passive to active learning. Key Mindsets and Specifics for Implementing PBL: * Classroom Shifts require administrative support, as teachers need to view things differently and receive professional development to enhance their skills. * Leadership Support from administrators is crucial to understand and provide teachers with the necessary support. * Changes in School Structure will be needed, including adjustments to faculty meetings, professional development, and schedules. * PBL vs. Traditional Teaching: Traditional teaching is teacher-centric, with the teacher controlling every minute PBL promotes student-driven learning where students are active problem-solvers. * Shifting from teacher-directed to student-driven learning is vital because passive and active learning impact the brain differently PBL compares traditional assessments to authentic demonstrations of learning PBL can lead to better results for teachers, while some PBL teachers might require additional support PBL focuses on collaboration, critical thinking, performance assessments, and continuous learning and mastery of standards. * Reflection and Feedback are crucial in PBL Students develop feedback and self-reflection skills. * Two episodes in the Binge PBL for Teachers podcast are dedicated to feedback and reflection. * Differing Goals of PBL and Traditional Teaching Traditional environments aim for content mastery, while PBL strives for content mastery, engagement, empowerment, and employability skills development. * PBL as a Framework: A mindset with a six-step structure outlined in the book "PBL Simplified," which is offered free to listeners. * PBL Compared to STEM and Service Learning: PBL has national models, unlike STEM and service learning It combines the rigor of content standard learning and mastery with real-world problem-solving. Resource: WhatisPBL.com [https://magnifylearningin.com/what-is-pbl/] Call to Action: Rate and review the show to help other inspired leaders find their why and lead inspired. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com [https://www.magnifypbl.com]

E3 - The Essential Elements of Authentic Project Based Learning

Essential Elements to Authentic PBL Authentic PBL extends beyond hypothetical scenarios and delves into real-world problem-solving. Authenticity fuels student engagement and empowers them to take ownership of their learning. Projects should be driven by compelling questions or challenges that necessitate collaboration with community partners. Southport Elementary: A Case Study in Authentic PBL Ryan draws a compelling contrast between a traditional "Entrepreneur Day" (where students create products to sell to parents) and the authentic project undertaken by Southport Elementary. Southport students partnered with a local non-profit organization supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. The project involved students marketing and selling products crafted by these individuals, fostering meaningful relationships and enabling students to master academic standards through real-world application. The authenticity of the project created a palpable difference, marked by genuine emotional responses from students and parents and a shared sense of purpose and impact. Sustained Inquiry: The Heartbeat of Authentic PBL Authenticity, coupled with sustained inquiry, is the key to deep student engagement. Sustained inquiry means students are actively engaged in exploring a problem over an extended period (4-6 weeks), fostering a sense of investment and ownership. Ryan shares an anecdote of a student applying his math skills to calculate the required number of cinder blocks for building raised garden beds, highlighting how authenticity elevates the relevance and application of academic concepts. Reflection, Critique, and the Power of a Public Product: The significance of delivering a high-quality final product is emphasized, as students often present their work to community partners, showcasing the real-world impact of their efforts. In the Southport example, the culminating event was a presentation to the non-profit partner. Students are intrinsically motivated to produce exceptional work because they understand that their efforts have real-world implications. Key Takeaways for School Leaders: Authenticity is paramount in PBL. It's not just a desirable feature; it's the foundational element that sets authentic PBL apart. When implementing PBL in your school, prioritize high-quality, authentic projects that involve community partners from the outset. Authentic PBL possesses the transformative power to change classrooms, schools, and lives. It's an investment worth making. Resource: WhatisPBL.com [https://magnifylearningin.com/what-is-pbl/] Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com [https://www.magnifypbl.com]

E4 - Connecting Authentic PBL with Personal Values

Connecting PBL to Your Personal Values This episode uses a metaphor of crawling, walking, and running to describe the stages of PBL implementation: Crawl: Gather information, understand vocabulary and the importance of PBL, and identify trusted resources. The book "PBL Simplified" is recommended, with specific chapters for administrators. Walk: Visit schools successfully implementing PBL, bringing your leadership team and evaluation tools to observe classrooms and gain insights from teachers and students. Engage with students who may appear disengaged to understand their perspectives on PBL. Ryan shares a story of a seemingly disengaged student named Skyler who was deeply involved in his PBL unit. Once you're implementing PBL in your own school, school visits become crucial to showcase the work and foster a culture of pride. Run: Align PBL with personal values, leadership values, and school goals. Define these values and compare them to the values inherent in PBL. A values activity from James Clear's book "Atomic Habits" is recommended for identifying your top five values. Encourage transparency and involve your leadership team in this activity. Empower your staff by giving them voice and choice in decision-making. Consider the PBL Master Class for administrators for a comprehensive overview of launching your PBL vision. Ensure that PBL aligns with district initiatives. Key Takeaways for Administrators: PBL implementation is a journey, and it's okay to start slowly and progress at your own pace. Observing PBL in action at other schools provides invaluable insights and helps you envision PBL in your own context. Connecting PBL to your personal and school values is essential for authentic and sustainable implementation. Empowering your staff and fostering a culture of transparency are crucial for successful PBL integration. Resources: Masterclass for Administrators [https://magnifypbl.mykajabi.com/pbl-master-class-for-administrators] Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com [https://www.magnifypbl.com]