SHOW NOTES
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 suggests visiting PBL model schools to observe best practices and gather valuable insights. He highlights the importance of understanding the scaffolding process that model schools underwent to achieve their success.
Three Key Scaffolds for Teachers: Ryan presents three scaffolds that administrators should provide for their teachers:
Recognize that teachers need scaffolding: Just like students, teachers need support and guidance when transitioning to new teaching practices like PBL. Don’t just tell teachers to “go do it.”
Support the transition from direct instruction to small group workshops: Guide teachers to gradually move away from traditional direct instruction towards collaborative learning environments like stations or small group work. This shift can be challenging for teachers used to a teacher-centric classroom, so a gradual, scaffolded approach is crucial.
Build capacity through Critical Friends Groups (CFGs): Establish regular meetings where teachers can offer feedback, share successes and challenges, and learn from each other in a safe and supportive environment. Structure CFG interactions using protocols like “likes and wonders” or the “tuning protocol” to ensure all voices are heard.
Practical Tips for Implementing Scaffolds: Ryan offers specific strategies for implementing these scaffolds effectively:
- Model desired practices: Demonstrate reflection, group contract implementation, or other PBL elements during faculty meetings or through video resources.
- Provide resources and training: Offer teachers examples, YouTube videos, access to PBL online communities, and connections with experts.
- Partner teachers with mentors: Pair experienced PBL teachers with those who are new to the approach for guidance and support.
- Utilize in-building resources: Leverage existing resources like learning walks, team teaching, or release time for teachers to observe experienced colleagues in action.
- Facilitate CFGs: Model CFG meetings during faculty meetings or through instructional coaches, ensuring a structured and supportive environment for teacher collaboration.
Creating a Culture of Transparency and Collaboration: Ryan emphasizes the importance of building a culture of transparency and collaboration for successful PBL implementation. CFGs are crucial for breaking down silos, encouraging a growth mindset, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for student success.
Resources
- PBL Simplified Book Study: A free program that guides teachers through PBL implementation, with specific chapters for administrators on implementation and grading.
- Magnify Learning’s Design Days: Offers leadership training and teacher workshops for effective PBL program launch.
Call to Action
- Extend collaborative practices beyond staff meetings to include cross-curricular and grade-level collaboration.
- Rate and review the podcast to help other school leaders discover and implement PBL.
Magnify Learning – www.magnifypbl.com
RESOURCES & LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
JOIN THE PBL MOVEMENT ONLINE COMMUNITY
SIGN UP FOR THE MAGNIFY LEARNING NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIBE TO THE PBL SIMPLIFIED FOR ADMINISTRATORS PODCAST
SCHEDULE A PBL TRAINING WITH MAGNIFY LEARNING
CHECK OUT RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST
ASK RYAN A QUESTION FOR THE PODCAST
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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 Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.