SHOW NOTES

Connecting PBL to Your Personal ValuesThis 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

Magnify Learning – www.magnifypbl.com