This episode focuses on why Project 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 thinking, and idea generation are essential for career advancement.
- Ryan found that traditional teaching methods were not effective in helping his students develop these skills.
- After switching to PBL, he observed a significant positive change in his students. He provides an anecdote of a student group that was able to effectively communicate with a community partner for 45 minutes.
- Ryan presents three reasons why PBL is best for teachers:
- PBL allows teachers to teach in the way they have always wanted to teach. It allows them to realize their dreams of changing the lives of their learners. Ryan encourages teachers to resist the cynicism that surrounds the teaching profession and to believe that they can make a difference.
- PBL promotes growth in teachers. As teachers implement PBL and focus on employability skills, they start to embody these practices themselves, leading to personal and professional growth. Ryan highlights the importance of a growth mindset in PBL.
- PBL enhances relationships. Not only does PBL strengthen relationships with students, but it also fosters meaningful connections with community partners from diverse professions. This expands both the teacher's and the students' understanding of the world. PBL also transforms relationships with fellow teachers as they collaborate and share their experiences.
- Ryan encourages listeners to visit PBL schools and ask teachers how PBL has changed their lives.
- The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to visit the website whypbl.com to learn more about why teachers love PBL.
Resources
Whypbl.com - Hear from classroom teachers and students why PBL is important for our classroom right now.
Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com
