The Student-Centered Shift: Empowered International Schools and Classrooms Through Project-Based Learning

Kyle Wagner
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Want to turn your classroom into a hub of curiosity, innovation, and real-world impact but don't know where to start? The Student-Centered Shift with internationally acclaimed educator Kyle Wagner equips international school educators with the simple shifts to move from passive to active learning spaces, so you can grow more engaged and empowered learners. Each week, Kyle interviews forward-thinking educators who share actionable strategies and proven frameworks to create a classroom buzzing with energy and purpose. Past guests include project-based powerhouse Ron Berger and bestselling author Gary Stager. By tuning in, you'll unlock: * The mindset shifts needed to transition from teacher-led to student-centered spaces. * Strategies to empower students as independent thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. * Tips for designing and implementing project-based experiences * Practical ways to redefine your role from instructor to facilitator. Discover how Kyle made the same shifts to transform his own teaching from burnout to breakthrough—guiding students to publish bestselling novels, launch businesses, and build museums. Over 1,000 classrooms have experienced similar results worldwide—will yours be next? Let's shift learning together!

  1. 4 NGÀY TRƯỚC

    Tired of Micromanaging Students? Try This Self-Management Framework

    Tired of students constantly asking "What do I do next?" or aimlessly bouncing between tasks during work time? In this episode, I unpack one of the most common frustrations educators face when trying to promote student agency—learners who simply don't know how to manage themselves. I share a practical tool that changed everything for our classroom: the Self-Direction Rubric. It's a simple, structured approach that helps students develop essential executive functioning skills—from time management to self-monitoring—without you needing to hover. Learn how our Montessori middle school students went from floundering in our 90-minute "work cycle" unstructured time—getting distracted, procrastinating, and relying on us for constant direction, to tracking their growth, identifying their own learning habits, and setting meaningful goals. You'll learn: Why most students aren't ready for full autonomy—and how to meet them where they are The 5 self-direction domains that matter more than completing a to-do list How rubrics help students monitor impulse control, goal setting, planning, and reflection A simple weekly routine that builds self-directed behaviors over time How this shift moves the student-teacher relationship from compliance to coaching Whether you're running PBL, giving open project blocks, or managing a flexible classroom schedule, this tool helps you scaffold student agency without sacrificing structure. 👣 Agency doesn't happen overnight. But with the right framework, it can start today. Get the self-direction rubrics for Free: Self-Direction Rubrics Get the 12 Shifts Book with more ideas for self-direction: 'Where is the the Teacher: 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments.'

    11 phút

  2. 23/12/2025

    Losing Momentum in Project-Based Experiences? Rotate Roles, Reignite Engagement

    Tired of watching student teams burn out mid-project? Or seeing the same student take charge while others fade into the background? In this episode, I share a simple but powerful strategy that reinvigorated our year-long student-run business: rotating roles. You'll hear how a single shift—letting students try on new responsibilities—rebalanced workloads, re-energized participation, and fostered deeper collaboration and skill growth. Through the story of our Montessori middle school café project, you'll hear how rotating a fatigued marketing manager into product development not only reignited his excitement, but sparked new momentum across the entire team. You'll learn: Why rotating roles prevents burnout, apathy, and imbalance in student teams 4 simple, flexible roles you can apply to any PBL experience How role rotation supports fairer assessment, stronger collaboration, and broader skill-building Quick examples for applying this in an urban garden, student podcast, or playground redesign Why this small shift keeps projects moving forward—without constant teacher intervention Whether you're guiding 6th graders through their first group inquiry or facilitating interdisciplinary projects with high schoolers, this episode will equip you with one of the easiest changes you can make… that delivers outsized results. 👣 Start small, start now—and keep the momentum going. Get the 12 Shifts Book: 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments

    8 phút

  3. 09/12/2025

    Why Student Agency Fails: 5 Simple Fixes

    Have you provided students freedom and choice only to watch them fail miserably at exerting it?  Make bad decisions. Poorly manage their time. Produce sloppy, unpolished work.  That was me last week when I let students pitch their student generated business plan to a panel of investors.  Real stakes and real people. And they were terribly unprepared.  But what if I told you their failure was NOT their fault...but ours?! In this episode I share why student agency fails and 5 ways to fix it.  You learn: The three common mistakes aspiring student-centered practitioners make when giving students more autonomy and choice The simple shift to ensure success Simple facilitator moves to guide the process A dead easy framework to use every time you give students a new project based experience, open-ended task, or challenge Transform failed attempts at student agency into student empowerment.

    10 phút

  4. 02/12/2025

    Struggling to Get Traction for Makerspace, Student-Centered Learning? How One Educator Built Momentum with a Single Space

    Feel like you're the only one pushing for more student-driven, hands-on learning in a system built for tradition? For many of us international educators, shifting toward student-centered, project-based learning feels like an uphill battle, especially when the system is slow to evolve. In this powerful episode, I speak with Steve from Bradbury International School, who turned a single underused structure on campus- what became "The Shed"- into a proof of concept for student-led, hands-on, tech infused, interdisciplinary learning. What started as a pilot space quickly became a catalyst for broader school-wide change. You'll learn: How to create momentum for active learning through visible wins, not policy Why student-designed spaces inspire deeper ownership and innovation How to align design thinking, sustainability, and curriculum into one bold vision What's required to lead change from within, when others aren't quite ready If you're trying to push student-centered learning beyond your classroom, this story of grassroots transformation will give you the spark—and strategy—you've been missing. Take the 12 Shifts Scorecard: www.transformschool.com/12shiftsscorecard Get the 12 Shifts Book: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713  Steve's Bio: Steve is a dedicated EdTech Teacher with over 20 years of experience in Primary education. His journey has equipped him with a passion for teaching and learning, allowing me to develop and nurture learners of all ages as we explore the exciting world of educational technologies. The Shed at Bradbury School is a space for adults and children to learn new skills and explore new technologies that can be taken back to the classroom to enhance daily learning. From 3D design to practical maker sessions; cooking and sewing to VR design and coding, we love to try new ways to bring a practical aspect to the way we learn. I am always eager to connect with like-minded professionals and explore new opportunities. Let's connect and see how we can make teaching and learning more exciting!

    43 phút

  5. 18/11/2025

    Voice and Choice vs Curriculum Coverage (Replay)

    I'm re-airing this episode based on popular demand and a recent study that shows a sharp decline in pupil's happiness in secondary school due to a lack of agency.  Are you trying to build more student agency, but feel boxed in by curriculum coverage? What if you didn't have to choose between voice and academic rigor? In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Harvey, secondary principal at Beijing City International School (BCIS), to explore how her team is shifting culture around student agency while still honoring the demands of a rigorous curriculum. From co-creating a three-year vision to redefining personalization in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, Natalie shares the intentional moves that are making voice and choice a lived experience—not just a buzzword. You'll hear how BCIS is navigating real challenges while building a culture where students know themselves deeply, make meaningful decisions, and drive their own learning. How BCIS reframed student agency through the lens of "jaggedness" What voice and choice look like in IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) classrooms How leadership created a shared language and clear expectations around agency Why building trust—and giving teachers choice—is key to sustainable change Ready to hear how these shifts are playing out in practice and what they might look like in your setting? Connect with Natalie: Natalie.Harvey@bcis.cn Link to the Pupil Happiness Study: Pupil Happiness Study by Grade Level Get the 12 Shifts Book:  On Amazon Natalie's Bio: Natalie is the current Secondary Principal of BCIS and was born in Hanover, Jamaica. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Language Education: English, from the University of the West Indies, a Master of Arts in Education from Wake Forrest University, a Certificate of International School Leadership from the Principal's Training Center, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in International School Leadership with Wilkes University.   Before BCIS, Natalie worked in various capacities in Jamaica, the United States of America, Venezuela, and Mexico. She was a Middle School Deputy Principal and Principal at the American School of Tampico for seven years. She has been an educator for 25 years and has a wealth of experience in teaching and leading. Natalie believes that forming solid interpersonal relationships leads to a positive school culture,  functional collaborative structures, and exceptional outcomes for students and teachers. In addition, Natalie is passionate about partnering with parents, promoting student voice, and fostering a sense of belonging and a focus on successful learning outcomes within the BCIS community.

    44 phút

  6. 04/11/2025

    Tired of Students asking, "What did I get?" 5 Step Process for Self-Evaluation and Growth.

    Tired of students asking, "What did I get?" after every assignment? What if they asked, "How did I grow?" instead? In this solo episode, I share a powerful reflection conversation with one of my students after his seventh real-world presentation of the day during Exhibition. Rather than assigning a grade, we walk through a rubric he co-created, debating scores, celebrating growth, and co-constructing the path forward. This isn't just assessment—it's transformation. You'll learn: Why co-created rubrics lead to more authentic assessment How self-assessment builds ownership, metacognition, and accountability Five clear steps to make self-assessment part of your class culture How to use assessment to support reflection, not just justify scores If you're ready to replace grading battles with growth conversations, this episode gives you the tools to get started. Get the 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Book (chapter 10): https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713

    9 phút

  7. 28/10/2025

    Tired of Running Every Classroom Activity Yourself? Simple Shifts to Empower Student Leadership

    Do you ever feel like your students rely on you for every next move? What if you could shift from being the sole driver to creating a classroom where students lead with confidence? In this episode, I sit down with Nicole, a passionate PE teacher and learning leader who shares her journey of transitioning from teacher-led instruction to student-led experiences. From student-designed fitness plans to peer-facilitated learning reflections, Nicole reveals practical strategies that helped her learners take charge—and the ripple effects this had across her school community. You'll learn: How to structure lessons so students take the lead Simple routines that nurture peer coaching and reflection Why stepping back builds stronger student voice and trust How student-led initiatives can work in any subject, not just PE Ready to stop running every part of the learning experience? This episode gives you the mindset, models, and momentum to empower students to step up and own it. Connect with Nicole: LinkedIn Get the 12 Shifts Book: 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Nicole's Bio:  Typically, Physical Education teacher often means focusing on well known sports and lesson plan formats, but Nicole strives to introduce alternative activities and ways of learning that are accessible and help break away from traditional norms, promoting inclusivity and engagement. Her most significant years of teaching have been in the international school settings, where she has had the privilege to meet many learners and colleagues from different cultures and backgrounds. This has taught her how important it is to adapt to global demands, as well as the unique needs of each student. Being part of a research team, participating in NEASC accreditation visits, attending conferences, publishing, and networking with companies and educators worldwide, has given her the confidence to focus on rewarding progress as opposed to perfection. Recognizing that every individual is unique, Nicole feels passionate about designing learning experiences that foster personal development and equip students with skills that will remain relevant in the future

    42 phút

  8. 21/10/2025

    Want Empowered Learners? Start with Who's Watching

    Do your students disengage the moment a presentation starts- or never fully show what they're capable of? What if the missing ingredient was as simple as who was watching? In this episode, I share the powerful impact of expanding the audience beyond the teacher. You'll hear how one identity-based exhibition at our Montessori Middle School completely transformed students' confidence, participation, and ownership—including English language learners and typically shy students. You'll walk away with practical ways to invite real audiences into your classroom—no giant showcase required. You'll learn: How shifting the audience empowers even your quietest students Easy ways to invite peers, parents, and experts into classroom learning Why real-world relevance boosts confidence and work quality How audience exposure builds identity, voice, and intrinsic motivation The data and stories behind why this simple shift works Whether it's a panel discussion, peer walkthrough, or younger student visit, expanding the audience can unlock the most authentic, empowered version of your learners. Listen now and discover how one small shift can breathe life into every corner of your classroom. Get the Book w/ more ideas for how to go from Teacher as audience - - - -> Authentic Audience:  📘 https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713 (Chapter 11)

    9 phút
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Want to turn your classroom into a hub of curiosity, innovation, and real-world impact but don't know where to start? The Student-Centered Shift with internationally acclaimed educator Kyle Wagner equips international school educators with the simple shifts to move from passive to active learning spaces, so you can grow more engaged and empowered learners. Each week, Kyle interviews forward-thinking educators who share actionable strategies and proven frameworks to create a classroom buzzing with energy and purpose. Past guests include project-based powerhouse Ron Berger and bestselling author Gary Stager. By tuning in, you'll unlock: * The mindset shifts needed to transition from teacher-led to student-centered spaces. * Strategies to empower students as independent thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. * Tips for designing and implementing project-based experiences * Practical ways to redefine your role from instructor to facilitator. Discover how Kyle made the same shifts to transform his own teaching from burnout to breakthrough—guiding students to publish bestselling novels, launch businesses, and build museums. Over 1,000 classrooms have experienced similar results worldwide—will yours be next? Let's shift learning together!

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