Binge PBL for Administrators by Magnify Learning

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 positi...

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 succes...

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 cr...

 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 P...

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...

Connecting Authentic PBL and District Initiatives The episode opens with an example of a large district partner that successfully integrated PBL to increase student engagement levels. This district secured grant funding for a three-year PBL training program, aligning perfectly with their district initiative. The success of the program, measured by training, coaching, and student outcomes, led to t...

Connecting PBL and Your Team Key Takeaways: This episode explores how school administrators can effectively lead their teams towards embracing project-based learning (PBL). By understanding the innovation curve, identifying early adopters and resistors, and providing targeted training and resources, you can foster a successful PBL implementation. Main Topics Covered: The Innovation Curve: Just lik...

Connect Authentic PBL to Students and Families This episode focuses on how administrators can effectively connect authentic PBL to students and families to build understanding and excitement for PBL implementation. The episode highlights the power of parent testimonials in promoting PBL and offers three key questions for administrators to consider. Key Takeaways: Engage families early and authenti...

Get Your Staff Ready for PBL This episode focuses on how administrators can effectively prepare their staff for the shift to Project Based Learning (PBL). Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes the importance of gaining staff buy-in and creating a grassroots movement for successful PBL implementation. Key Takeaways: Address teacher concerns and build excitement for PBL. Empower teachers by involving them in...

Choosing Real World Problems for Project Based Learning This episode focuses on how administrators can guide their staff in choosing real-world problems for Project Based Learning (PBL) units. Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes the importance of selecting authentic problems to foster student engagement and empower them through problem-solving. Key Takeaways: Real-world problems are crucial for student en...

Backward Design in PBL This episode focuses on how administrators can use backward design to effectively implement Project Based Learning (PBL). Host Ryan Steuer uses the analogy of "fixer-upper" shows to illustrate the concept of starting with the end in mind and working backward to achieve that vision. Key Takeaways: Backward design is essential for successful PBL implementation. Administrators...

Time Management in PBL This episode focuses on how administrators can help teachers effectively manage time within the framework of Project Based Learning (PBL). Host Ryan Steuer highlights the common issue of "Godzilla Projects" - PBL units that grow uncontrollably in scope and duration. He offers three "gems" for administrators to help teachers stay on track and avoid these pitfalls. Key Takeawa...

Standards and Curriculum in Project Based Learning This episode explores the crucial aspect of integrating standards and curriculum into Project Based Learning (PBL) to ensure academic rigor and successful implementation. Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes that PBL should not be perceived as "fluff" but as a robust, standards-based approach to education. Key Takeaways: Effective PBL implementation requir...

Teacher to PBL Facilitator This episode explores the transition from a teacher-centered classroom to a student-centered, Project Based Learning (PBL) environment, emphasizing the shift in the teacher's role from "teacher" to "facilitator." Host Ryan Steuer explains that this transition involves a change in approach and mindset, not just terminology. Key Takeaway: Administrators can support teacher...

PBL and Assessments This episode dives into the crucial role of assessment in a Project Based Learning (PBL) environment. Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes that implementing PBL effectively requires a shift in assessment practices, moving beyond traditional methods to ensure students are mastering both content knowledge and essential 21st-century skills. Key Takeaway: Administrators need to lead the shi...

PBL Collaboration within Your Faculty This episode focuses on the crucial role of faculty collaboration and strong team dynamics in successful PBL implementation. Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes that establishing a culture of continuous innovation requires intentional effort from administrators, starting with fostering a collaborative environment among staff. Key Takeaway: Administrators play a critic...

Scaffold PBL Skills for Success Administrators must provide scaffolding for their teachers, just as teachers scaffold for their students, to successfully implement and sustain Project Based Learning (PBL) in their schools. Episode Summary:  This episode emphasizes the critical role of administrators in providing support and guidance to teachers during PBL implementation. Host Ryan Steuer sugg...

PBL Collaboration Across Grade Levels and Subject Areas Administrators can create a culture of collaboration by fostering connections between teachers of different subject areas and grade levels. This collaboration helps teachers embody the practices they are trying to teach students and results in interdisciplinary projects. Episode Summary : Host Ryan Steuer shares an anecdote to illustrate the...

This episode explores common pitfalls encountered when implementing Project Based Learning (PBL) and offers strategies for administrators to avoid them. Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes the importance of consistency in PBL, using an analogy of climbing the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado. He stresses that following the footsteps of experienced PBL practitioners can help administrators avoid comm...

This episode focuses on the importance of time, space, and systems in creating a successful Project Based Learning (PBL) environment. The host, Ryan Steuer, emphasizes the concept of the "third teacher," which refers to the learning environment itself and its impact on student engagement and collaboration. Key Takeaways: Innovative and Supportive Spaces: The episode highlights the significance of...

Welcome to the world of Project Based Learning! In this episode, learn how to grow your PBL vision with three steps: Share stories of impactful projects and their outcomes for students and communities. Highlight testimonials from teachers, students, and parents about their PBL experiences. Join the online community to connect with other PBL educators. This episode includes a call to action to join...