PBL Simplified for Teachers by Magnify Learning

Magnify Learning
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

WHAT: Weekly episodes for PBL TEACHERS. Guest and solo episodes to answer your most significant PBL Need to Knows. We bring information AND inspiration! WHO: Brought to you by Magnify Learning, your customized PBL partner for over a decade. CALL TO ACTION: Subscribe for a PBL resource in every episode FREE RESOURCE: Go to WhatisPBL.com for your first free resource. —------------------------------ PBL Simplified for Teachers Helping You Teach Like You’ve Always Wanted You became a teacher to engage learners, spark curiosity, and make a real impact—not to just hand out worksheets and prep for tests. PBL Simplified for Teachers is here to help you bring Project Based Learning (PBL) to life in your classroom. Hosted by Ryan Steuer of Magnify Learning, this podcast is your go-to resource for practical PBL strategies, real teacher success stories, and expert insights to make your teaching more engaging, meaningful, and effective. Whether you’re new to PBL or looking to refine your practice, each episode delivers actionable tips to help you confidently create learner-centered, real-world experiences. If you’re ready to teach like you've always wanted to, hit subscribe and start teaching like you’ve always wanted!

  1. Sep 1

    How to Make Learning Matter: Purpose, Story, and PBL With Trevor Muir | E24

    In this episode, Ryan Steuer sits down with Trevor Muir, educator, author, and host of The Epic Classroom podcast, to dive into authentic, purpose-driven teaching and project-based learning (PBL). Trevor Muir shares his journey from a disengaged student to a passionate educator, and discusses how embedding story and purpose into schoolwork transforms both students’ and teachers’ experiences in the classroom. They explore the practicalities of getting started with PBL, embracing imperfection as a teacher, and the critical role purpose plays in education today. Main Points Purpose-Centered Education: Trevor Muir emphasizes the need to infuse meaning and real-world application into lessons, arguing that both students and teachers thrive when the work genuinely matters. Project-Based Learning as Storytelling: Drawing parallels with the hero’s journey, Trevor Muir explains how impactful projects follow a story arc—students encounter a problem, gather knowledge, face challenges, and produce meaningful outcomes. Accessible Innovation: Teachers don’t need to overhaul everything—starting with just one purposeful project or authentic problem can make a significant difference. Innovation means adding value, not replacing effective practices. Learning from Failures: Both speakers discuss the importance of iteration, reflection, and giving educators permission to try, fail, and improve—underscoring that great projects often emerge from initial missteps. Teacher Mindset and Well-being: Enjoyment in teaching rises when students are engaged in purposeful work. Trevor Muir champions the idea that teachers should regularly revisit and refresh their approach for renewed satisfaction and effectiveness. Three Notable Quotes “Humans want to know that the work they do in this world matters. We all do. It is built within our design to live and operate that way.” — Trevor Muir “Innovation truly means adding value to the work that you’re doing. It doesn’t mean replacing, it means adding value.” — Trevor Muir “If you can’t articulate what the purpose of learning this material is, I think it’s pretty important that we figure out what it actually is. I mean, I think that’s the litmus test.” — Trevor Muir Call to Action Ready to add purpose and project-based learning to your classroom?Visit magnifypbl.com to find tools, resources, and inspiration to start your PBL journey today!

  2. Aug 4

    The Entry Event is Everything...And You're Probably Rushing It | E23

    In this episode, Ryan Steuer dives into the critical role of the entry event in Project-Based Learning (PBL). He discusses how a well-designed entry event sets the stage for student engagement, authentic inquiry, and real-world connection throughout a PBL unit. Sharing practical insights and examples, Ryan Steuer emphasizes why teachers should invest time and creativity into crafting compelling entry events to maximize student involvement and drive meaningful learning outcomes. Main Points The entry event is foundational to sparking student curiosity and engagement right from the start of a PBL unit. Strong entry events offer students clarity, purpose, and a sense of importance in their project, making standards and academic work more meaningful. Community partners and real-world problems elevate authenticity and emotional connection, distinguishing effective entry events from mere scenarios. A weak entry event often leads to surface-level questions and low buy-in, but teachers can refine and relaunch for better results. Teachers should avoid over-explaining; let curiosity and inquiry emerge naturally through the event’s activities and design. Collaboration among grade or department teams can enhance entry event quality through feedback and tuning protocols. Notable Quotes "Your Entry event is really the foundation of engagement, purpose and clarity.""If you have a powerful entry event, it is creating curiosity... there should be an emotional connection that you build if there’s a really great entry event.""When you have a great entry event, you don’t have to tell your learners why it matters. You’ve designed an entry event where they're experiencing that."Call to Action Want more resources and support for creating impactful PBL experiences? Visit magnifypbl.com today!

  3. Jul 7

    The Permission Slip Every PBL Teacher Needs | E22

    In this episode, Ryan Steuer shares personal stories and actionable advice to empower teachers to embrace Project Based Learning (PBL) without waiting for external approval. From candid recollections of classroom struggles to the transformative power of PBL, this episode is a rallying cry for educators to start teaching the way they've always wanted. Listeners will find encouragement, practical tips, and permission to take the first step toward more engaging, student-centered learning. Main Points You Don't Need Permission: Ryan stresses that teachers shouldn't wait for perfect conditions or administrative approval to begin PBL—permission comes from within. Learn Through Action: Initial attempts at PBL (and pre-PBL methods like service learning) might be messy or even fail, but each step is valuable for learning and growth. Small Steps Matter: Teachers can integrate PBL practices into traditional classrooms without overhauling everything—bringing in community partners, using collaborative protocols, and offering more voice and choice are effective starting points. Iterate and Improve: Every strong PBL classroom started somewhere imperfect. Being transparent with students about what works and what doesn’t fosters a collaborative and adaptive environment. Impact Beyond Content: True fulfillment in teaching comes from seeing broader student transformation—not just from delivering content but by changing lives and creating opportunities. Notable Quotes "Waiting for permission is the fastest way to stay stuck.""You're not waiting to become a PBL teacher. You become one by starting. So here is your permission to teach inspired." Call To Action Ready to start your PBL journey? Get practical resources, videos, and weekly inspiration at magnifypbl.com. Don’t wait for permission—make the change today!

  4. Jun 2

    Why Every Teacher Should Start a YouTube Channel | E21

    In this episode, Ryan Steuer explores why every teacher should consider starting a YouTube channel—not to become an influencer, but as a powerful, reflective tool for professional growth. By sharing regular videos, even just for yourself, you make your progress visible, force reflection, and ultimately enhance your teaching practice. Ryan offers encouragement, practical advice, and straightforward steps to get started, addressing common concerns such as time, perfectionism, and discomfort on camera. Main Points Reflection Drives Growth: Teachers improve not by doing more, but by seeing, reflecting, and refining. Making short videos helps you process your day and track progress over time. YouTube as a Reflective Tool: A YouTube channel acts like a visual teaching journal. Simple daily or weekly prompts—such as "What did I love today?" and "How am I going to get better?"—can jumpstart meaningful reflection. Start Imperfectly: Nobody’s first video is good! The point is to start with quick, unedited videos and not worry about views or comments. The YouTube algorithm will keep early content hidden unless people want to see it. Practical Tips: Use your phone and keep it under five minutes. Turn off comments if they worry you. Don’t overthink or over-edit; just focus on consistent posting and honest reflection. Live the PBL Life: Creating YouTube reflections models the project-based learning (PBL) process for your students—you’re reflecting, iterating, creating, and presenting, just as you expect your learners to do. Notable Quotes “Teachers don’t get better by doing more. Teachers get better by seeing, reflecting and refining.” “You don’t need a perfect classroom to start. You just need a real one.” Call to Action Ready to jump in? Start reflecting, recording, and growing! For more resources and inspiration, visit magnifypbl.com.

  5. May 5

    Teach the Way You've Always Wanted | E20

    Episode Summary In this episode, Ryan Steuer reflects on the emotional journey of teaching and how a systems-based approach can help educators rediscover their passion and purpose. Drawing from personal teaching stories and the pain and joy inherent in the profession, Ryan details how Project Based Learning (PBL) can empower teachers and students alike. He breaks down actionable steps for integrating community partnerships and dynamic entry events into classroom practice, showing educators how they can start teaching in the way they've always dreamed. Main Points The Emotional Landscape of Teaching: Ryan shares the highs and lows teachers experience, noting the importance of both passion and effective systems in the classroom. Moving from Burnout to Empowerment: The episode emphasizes that student and teacher success is less about pouring out more emotional energy and more about building supportive classroom systems. Project Based Learning in Practice: Ryan gives practical tips—like leveraging community partners and organizing engaging entry events—to launch standards-based, meaningful PBL units. A Vision for Authentic Learning: The culminating story shows the impact of authentic audiences and community connections, inspiring teachers to reimagine what's possible in their classrooms. Quotes "What if your success in the classroom and your learner success is more about a system than you somehow pouring out more of yourself?" — Ryan Steuer "Entry event day is awesome. There’s so much energy and excitement. And now your PBL is launched! You’re going to tie in social studies, literacy, language arts standards, even math is going to fit into this PBL unit." — Ryan Steuer "You do not need to pour out more of yourself. You don’t have to find some kind of extra gear in your passionate teaching world. But there’s a system and there’s some steps that you can learn to figure this out." — Ryan Steuer Call to Action Ready to teach the way you’ve always wanted? Visit pblsimplified.com to register for free tips and YouTube videos that will guide you step-by-step on your Project Based Learning journey!

  6. Apr 7

    How One Chemistry Teacher Brought PBL to Life | E19

    This episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast for Teachers features an engaging conversation between host Ryan Steuer and guest educator Ronni, a high school chemistry teacher from Maryland. Ronni shares her unexpected journey into education, from aspiring accountant to passionate science teacher, and how project-based learning (PBL) transformed her classroom. She explains how she had always leaned toward hands-on, project-driven instruction, but discovering formal PBL helped her amplify student engagement and connect learning to real-world impact. A standout story highlights her students redesigning a nuclear emergency flyer for their community—work that led to actual improvements by the power company. Ronni emphasizes that authentic audience and community involvement increase student accountability, motivation, and pride. She also shares how PBL shifted disengaged students into active learners and helped build critical presentation skills that extend beyond the classroom. The conversation offers practical advice for teachers at any stage of their PBL journey: start small, incorporate real-world audiences, and don’t fear failure—iteration is part of the process. Ronni’s biggest takeaway is simple yet powerful: just try it. The rewards for both teachers and students are immediate and lasting. Main Topics of Discussion Ronni’s journey into education and teaching chemistry [1:26] Discovering and expanding project-based learning practices [2:34] Real-world impact: nuclear power plant flyer project [3:35] Student transformation through authentic learning experiences [8:16] First steps for teachers new to PBL (start small, add audience) [9:07] Building presentation skills and long-term student success [11:49] Navigating challenges, admin support, and teacher buy-in [13:54] Encouragement to take risks and iterate with PBL [18:05]   Community & Calls to Action Explore free PBL resources at whatispbl.com Join the PBL community for support, courses, and collaboration Try one small PBL shift in your classroom this week Rate and review the podcast to support other educators

    How One Chemistry Teacher Brought PBL to Life | E19

  7. 07/29/2025

    Helping Your Students Master Their First Job with Jacob Karnes | E18

    In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, host Ryan Steuer interviews Jacob Karnes, founder of Waves Business Coaching and author of Master Your First Job. They discuss the significance of first jobs in shaping students' careers, the importance of feedback, building a personal brand, and strategies to combat apathy in the classroom. Jacob shares insights from his decade-long experience at Chick-fil-A and emphasizes the need for intentionality in students' first job experiences. The conversation highlights practical advice for educators to empower students and help them navigate their early career paths effectively. Takeaways Feedback should be constructive and specific. Building a personal brand starts early in one's career. Community helps combat apathy in students. Intentionality in first jobs can lead to long-term success. Students should learn to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Understanding business values can help in career growth. A positive work environment fosters better performance. Teaching students about feedback can enhance their learning experience. Real-world projects increase student engagement and learning. Resources and links: Free ebook: masteryourfirstjob/free Jacob's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobkarnes/ Jacob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkarnes/ Share a win or ask a question: pblshare.com

    Helping Your Students Master Their First Job with Jacob Karnes | E18

  8. 07/15/2025

    School Turnarounds With Ashley Green | E17

    In this episode, host Ryan Steuer chats with Ashley Green, a seasoned educator, turnaround expert, and founder of Green Tree Educational Solutions. Ashley shares wisdom from nearly two decades in education, including her experience as an ELA teacher, principal, curriculum coordinator, and adjunct professor. Ashley brings optimism, practical strategies, and a deep commitment to student-centered learning. She shares how educators can be part of the solution in school turnarounds by embracing culture shifts, intentional communication, and celebrations of success—no matter how small. What you'll learn: The power of student feedback and how it's transforming classrooms Encouraging practices to keep teachers optimistic in challenging times Three keys to success for teachers in turnaround schools: culture, communication, and celebration Real success stories from collaborative, student-driven classrooms How to approach obstacles with purpose and positivity Steps for helping traditional teachers begin their PBL journey The role teachers can play in whole-school transformation Connect With Ashley: greentreesolutions.org Facebook: Facebook Profile LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile

    School Turnarounds With Ashley Green | E17
See All (24)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

WHAT: Weekly episodes for PBL TEACHERS. Guest and solo episodes to answer your most significant PBL Need to Knows. We bring information AND inspiration! WHO: Brought to you by Magnify Learning, your customized PBL partner for over a decade. CALL TO ACTION: Subscribe for a PBL resource in every episode FREE RESOURCE: Go to WhatisPBL.com for your first free resource. —------------------------------ PBL Simplified for Teachers Helping You Teach Like You’ve Always Wanted You became a teacher to engage learners, spark curiosity, and make a real impact—not to just hand out worksheets and prep for tests. PBL Simplified for Teachers is here to help you bring Project Based Learning (PBL) to life in your classroom. Hosted by Ryan Steuer of Magnify Learning, this podcast is your go-to resource for practical PBL strategies, real teacher success stories, and expert insights to make your teaching more engaging, meaningful, and effective. Whether you’re new to PBL or looking to refine your practice, each episode delivers actionable tips to help you confidently create learner-centered, real-world experiences. If you’re ready to teach like you've always wanted to, hit subscribe and start teaching like you’ve always wanted!

Information

You Might Also Like