Binge PBL for Teachers by Magnify Learning

Binge PBL for Teachers Are you looking to teach the way you’ve always wanted to? With passion and purpose? Are you tired of piecing together and fighting for student engagement every day? Are you wondering what Project Based Learning is all about? Are you ready to teach inspired? 20 Episodes - All less than 15 minutes...Bingeable! Resources at the end of every episode.  20 of the biggest Need...

Why PBL is Best for Kids? The episode focuses on why P roject Based Learning (PBL) is beneficial for students. Host Ryan Steuer begins by sharing a story about his former student, Skyler . Skyler was a bright student in his early elementary years, but began to struggle around third grade. Skyler did not see the value of school and stopped completing his assignments, failing most of his classes. Wh...

This episode focuses on why P roject Based Learning (PBL) helps you teach like you've always wanted . The host, Ryan Steuer, begins by discussing his background as a former engineer at a Fortune 50 company and his transition to teaching. He realized that content knowledge is not the only thing needed for success , but skills such as teamwork, presentation skills, problem-solving, critical thi...

How to Grow As a PBL Teacher The main idea of this episode is how teachers can grow as PBL teachers . The host uses the example of Southport Elementary School, a Title 1 school in Indiana. Southport Elementary had the highest growth in the state on standardized tests. A common misconception is that high test scores are a result of "skill and drill," but research does not support this . PBL researc...

 3 Steps to Starting Your PBL Journey Ryan uses a personal anecdote to introduce the idea that everyone taking on a new challenge starts by "crawling, walking, and then running." The main idea of the episode is that teachers should give themselves grace as they implement PBL, as there will be setbacks and failures along the way. There are three main stages to implementing PBL: Crawling :...

  How to Build a Winning Classroom Culture Podcast Summary: This episode discusses how to build a winning classroom culture through 3 mindset shifts: transparency, asset-based classroom development, and relationship building. Key Points: Ryan starts by sharing an anecdote about a student, Maria, who didn't speak during the "connections" activity in his advisory class for an entire semest...

How PBL Brings Engagement   Get Your Students on Board (not Bored!) This episode focuses on how to get students on board with Project Based Learning (PBL). Teachers may encounter resistance from students accustomed to traditional, passive learning environments. Three warnings to keep in mind as you transition your students to PBL: They may not be ready to take initiative or solve problems ind...

Make or Break your PBL Key Points and Ideas Ryan shares a story about a failed service-learning project with his 8th-grade students involving sending canned goods to Africa. He learned that the students needed more guidance and that he should have brought the "why" closer to home. Real-world problem-solving is the key to successful Project Based Learning (PBL) . The closer to home the problem...

Workshops and PBL This episode focuses on using workshops as a primary means of delivering content in a PBL unit. Ryan Steuer, the host, uses a personal anecdote about a student named Brooke who skipped a workshop on compound complex sentences because she found the description unexciting. This anecdote leads into a discussion of mandatory versus voluntary workshops. Ryan then offers three key...

Entry Events are the first step in a any PBL unit. Mindset is incredibly important in PBL, and teachers need to be excited and optimistic about the project. 3 Key Entry Event Moves to Ensure Engagement and Clarity : Rubrics communicate expectations. Use real world parameters. Creativity exists within parameters. Use your content area language to show the importance of the content and how it applie...

PBL and Inquiry How Do We Bring Inquiry into the Classroom? This episode centers on the crucial role of inquiry in project-based learning (PBL) and provides practical strategies for fostering a culture of inquiry in the classroom. Ryan emphasizes that true inquiry occurs when learners actively engage in questioning and seeking answers , moving beyond superficial engagement to a deeper level o...

PBL Brings the Rs T his episode focuses on rigor and relevance in Project Based Learning (PBL) . Ryan uses the example of Dixie Elementary, a Title 1 school in Kentucky that improved its rating from a D to an A using PBL. Ryan emphasizes that Dixie Elementary achieved this success not through rote learning but through best practices, engagement, and empowerment . Ryan highlights that Dixie El...

PBL and Spaces This episode focuses on the concept of the classroom as the "third teacher" and how to adjust physical space to create a more collaborative and engaging learning environment for Project Based Learning (PBL). Key takeaways from the episode: Dixie Elementary School transformed its learning environment and saw a significant increase in its state score. Their success stemmed from embrac...

PBL Empowers Students This episode explores the transition from passive to active learning environments. It highlights the importance of shifting roles, utilizing tools for engagement and empowerment, and incorporating reflection and feedback mechanisms. Key Concepts: Shifting Roles: Transitioning from a teacher-centric to a learner-centered classroom dynamic is crucial. Teacher to Facilitator: Te...

PBL and Assessments This episode focuses on improving assessment in Project Based Learning (PBL). It emphasizes the importance of intentional assessment practices and outlines three key distinctions to guide teachers in creating meaningful and effective evaluations. Key Concepts: Intentional Assessment: Teachers need to move away from arbitrary grading practices and focus on intentional assessment...

PBL and Feedback This episode explains the importance of providing consistent, structured feedback in the PBL classroom. Feedback is compared to a compass that helps students get back on track when their projects get off course. The episode emphasizes the importance of giving feedback on the product and not on the person, providing feedback daily, and modeling the feedback process. Key Concepts :...

PBL and Reflection The episode begins with a personal anecdote about Ryan’s experience raising chickens and gardening. The anecdote serves as an analogy for the importance of reflection in PBL. Ryan introduces the concept of the “gardener’s pause.” This is a metaphor for taking time to step back and assess what is working well in a project and what needs more attention. Reflection is describe...

PBL and Inquiry This episode focuses on inquiry-based learning , a key component of Project Based Learning (PBL). Inquiry is presented as "the spark" that ignites curiosity in learners, encouraging them to be active participants in their learning. The host emphasizes that inquiry benefits all learners , not just those who are struggling. Authenticity in PBL units is crucial for promoting inquiry a...

PBL and Voice/Choice   Voice is not the same as choice. They just rhyme. Voice and choice are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct concepts. This episode explores the differences between voice and choice in Project Based Learning (PBL). Understanding Choice Choice is about autonomy and agency. Choice boards are an example of how to provide choice in the classroom. Giving students...

PBL and Presentations Presentations are the megaphone for student voice.  They amplify student voices and ideas, ensuring that their perspectives and solutions are heard. Best Practice 1: Encourage Multiple Ways to Present Provide a variety of presentation options to accommodate different learning styles and comfort levels. Allow students to pitch alternative presentation ideas that align wit...

 You are PBL Ready! Let's gooooooooo! Project Based Learning (PBL) is a life-changing experience for teachers and students. The PBL community is accepting and helpful. When you meet other PBL teachers, ask them, “How has PBL changed your life?” Three Moves to Grow your PBL Practice Build support systems. Don’t do PBL alone! Follow PBL movement makers on social media. Visit other schools to co...