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. 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

    39 min

  2. 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

    28 min

  3. 07/01/2025

    PBL in Action: A District-Wide Movement with Ashley Curtin | E16

    This episode features Ashley Curtin, a district coach from Calvert County, Maryland. Calvert County's PBL movement began in social studies and has expanded across subjects and schools. Ashley will share concrete examples of PBL units, discuss local context, authenticity, and the integration of CTE programs. PBL is bringing hope and joy to classrooms. Ashley's Work and PBL in Calvert County Ashley is a district coach working with PBL teachers. The PBL initiative started in social studies to increase engagement and has spread across the district. Ashley is now under Career Technical Education (CTE) funding and is building relationships with CTE instructors. She connects teachers and suggests collaborations. A key to her approach is meeting people where they are at with their mindset and comfort level with PBL. PBL Unit Examples Eighth Grade Science & Culinary Arts: An eighth-grade science teacher developed a project about invasive species, initially thinking about a cookbook. The project shifted to educating the public about invasive fish in the Chesapeake Bay and Puxon River. Students created posters, social media posts, and websites with QR codes to educate the community. Culinary program seniors developed recipes for invasive fish, which were judged in a "Chopped" style competition. The eighth graders then featured these recipes on their websites and in their outreach materials. The project culminated in presentations to community partners, including the Department of Agriculture and local restaurant owners. Third Grade Storybook Project: A third-grade team created storybooks about different regions of the United States. The project integrated science, social studies, and ELA standards. Students recorded themselves reading the books, which were accessed via QR codes in the front covers. They sold the books to families, and the project culminated in an author signing event with over 150 attendees. Roses, Buds, and Thorns Rose (What’s going well): The shift to CTE funding is a big win. CTE programs already have authenticity, so the focus is on infusing pedagogical practices and PBL structures. Bud (Promising practices): PBL is now a strategic goal for the district. There is work with math instructors, and an effort to reimagine education with PBL. The adaptability of the PBL framework is allowing it to take shape in different ways. Thorn (Challenges): Ashley's capacity to support the growing PBL movement is limited. There is a need to convince more decision-makers to invest in PBL and create core leadership positions. Some teachers who signed up for training are reluctant to fully embrace the PBL mindset and implementation. Ashley wants to encourage these teachers without making them feel like they are being dragged along. Addressing the Challenges (Thorns) Capacity: The need for more resources and core leaders in buildings and across grade levels/content areas is a significant challenge. Hesitant Teachers: Invite teachers to observe successful PBL classrooms. Invite teachers to participate in tuning protocols. Provide opportunities for collaborative support and reflection. Share a PBL newsletter to highlight best practices and provide resources. Highlight teachers and their work in a positive way in order to give them affirmation. Getting Administrative Buy-In Track data like student engagement, attendance, and discipline to show the impact of PBL. Share positive stories from PBL classrooms with principals to improve community perception of the school. Promote the idea of training coaches to implement PBL in individual schools. Highlight that educators can learn from their own colleagues and don't necessarily need to travel to conferences. Optimism about Education PBL is re-engaging teachers and showing them the power of their work. It shifts teachers' views of students, moving away from negative assumptions. PBL has the power to transform education and engage students long after the project is over. Resources PBLShare.com PBL Movement Online Community (PMOC)

    41 min

  4. 06/17/2025

    Reflection Transforms Classrooms | E15

    In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, host Ryan Steuer discusses the critical role of reflection in Project Based Learning (PBL). He emphasizes that reflection is not just a final step but an ongoing process throughout the PBL unit. Ryan shares practical strategies for incorporating reflection into the classroom, ensuring all voices are heard, and managing feedback effectively. He also highlights the importance of teacher reflection for personal growth and creating a reflective culture among students. The episode concludes with actionable tips for fostering reflection in both teaching practices and student learning. Takeaways Reflection is key to turning experience into insight. Evaluated experiences lead to deeper learning. Reflection should be integrated throughout the PBL process. Creating a safe space for feedback is essential. Use protocols to ensure all voices are heard during reflection. Manage negativity during reflection sessions effectively. Responding to feedback thoughtfully fosters a positive environment. Teacher reflection is crucial for professional growth. Building a reflective culture enhances student learning. Resources and links: Share a win or ask a question: pblshare.com

    17 min

  5. 06/03/2025

    PBL Showcase: Middle School PBL Launch | E14

    In this episode of the PBL Simplified for Teachers podcast, host Ryan Steuer talks with two passionate educators, Joanna Clark and Angela Stein, who are jumping into Project Based Learning for the first time and absolutely loving it. Joanna, a 7th-grade science teacher with a PhD in chemistry, and Angela, an 8th-grade math and algebra teacher with a background in construction management, bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspective to their new PBL journey. They share how their first and second PBL units brought engagement, creativity, and empowerment to their middle schoolers—yes, even the ones who usually “don’t care”. Takeaways: Why middle school is a pivotal time for launching PBL Two engaging PBL units: designing bath bombs and redesigning learning spaces How real-world partnerships and student voice elevated the learning Honest reflections from teachers just starting out with PBL Student stories that prove PBL brings hidden talents to the surface Why it’s way more fun to grade PBL projects than quizzes! Whether you’re new to PBL or looking for ideas to refresh your classroom, this episode will leave you encouraged, energized, and maybe even smiling like our guests. Resources and links: whatispbl.com

    31 min

  6. 05/20/2025

    Unlocking the Power of Inquiry in PBL | E13

    In this episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, Ryan Steuer discusses the critical role of inquiry in Project Based Learning (PBL). He emphasizes the importance of driving questions that spark curiosity and engagement among students. The conversation explores strategies for teaching students to ask better questions, embracing uncertainty in the learning process, and the significance of community partners in enhancing inquiry-based learning. The episode provides practical insights for educators looking to implement PBL effectively in their classrooms. Takeaways Inquiry is foundational in Project Based Learning. Driving questions should spark curiosity and engagement. Teaching students to ask better questions is essential. Embracing uncertainty can enhance the learning experience. Community partners add real-world relevance to PBL. Authentic PBL involves solving real-world problems. Encouraging a growth mindset helps students embrace failure. Effective PBL requires local and relevant driving questions. Students should document their questions throughout the process. Inquiry develops a hunger for learning.

    20 min

  7. 05/06/2025

    PBL Showcase: 5th Grade PBL Team | E12

    In this PBL Showcase, we welcome the fifth-grade team from Southside Elementary to share their incredible Project Based Learning (PBL) journey. These rockstar educators are transforming their classrooms by integrating PBL with leadership development and student empowerment—and the results are inspiring! 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode: How Southside Elementary implemented PBL schoolwide and built an engaging culture of learning. How they foster student leadership by pairing fifth graders with kindergarteners in a mentorship-based PBL. The impact of real-world learning experiences, including a house sorting ceremony designed by students. How PBL naturally integrates across subjects like writing, math, and social studies. Listen in to hear: The driving question behind their PBL project. How their visit to another PBL school helped shape their approach. A powerful learner story that shows how PBL can create a deep sense of belonging. Why their school culture is thriving with high teacher buy-in and student participation. Encouragement for teachers hesitant to start PBL—just take the first step! Get Your Free PBL Resources:Visit whatispbl.com for a free set of PBL resources to kickstart your journey!

    33 min

  8. 04/22/2025

    How to Build a Winning Classroom Culture | E11

    In this episode of PBL Simplified, Ryan Steuer discusses the importance of building a winning classroom culture through project-based learning (PBL). He emphasizes the need for strong core values, authentic learning experiences, accountability, risk-taking, and celebrating both successes and failures. By fostering a supportive environment, educators can enhance student engagement and intrinsic motivation, ultimately leading to a more impactful learning experience. Takeaways Culture is essential for student engagement and empowerment. Establishing core values is crucial for a strong classroom culture. Authentic PBL connects learning to real-world problems. Celebrating effort and growth fosters a growth mindset. Accountability should focus on constructive feedback and reflection. Encouraging risk-taking helps students learn from failure. Recognizing both successes and failures builds a supportive environment. Creating purpose in learning increases student motivation. Intentionality in crafting classroom culture is key to success. PBL allows teachers to engage students in meaningful ways. Resources and links: whatispbl.com pblpress.com Email magnify@magnifypbl.com for protocol links.

    20 min
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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!

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