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. NOV 4

    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 min

  2. OCT 28

    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 min

  3. OCT 21

    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 min

  4. OCT 14

    Stuck Teaching in a Bubble? How Place Based Learning Brings the World to Your Students

    Do you ever feel stuck trying to make learning relevant, but tied to the four walls of your classroom? What if the place students learn became the curriculum itself—full of stories, problems, and people to learn from? In this episode, I sit down with Jen Buchanan, principal at Think Global School—one of the world's only fully traveling high schools—to explore how place-based learning transforms education. Jen shares how students immerse themselves in local contexts like Japan, Botswana, and Greece, tackling real-world issues through interdisciplinary projects with community partners. You'll hear how this approach fosters global citizenship, critical thinking, and lasting impact—and how any school can get started. You'll learn: Why local and global contexts ignite deeper inquiry and empathy How students co-design learning through place-based, changemaker modules Simple ways to embed community, geography, and culture into your curriculum How to overcome common constraints like time, standards, and logistics Ready to turn your surroundings into stories and your students into global problem-solvers? This episode is your first step toward place-based transformation. Connect with Jen: (LinkedIn), (Website) Learn more about ThinkGlobal: https://thinkglobalschool.org/think-global-school-welcomes-jen-buchanan-as-its-next-principal/  Get the 12 Shifts Book, 'Where is the Teacher?': https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713  Jen's Bio: Jen Buchanan is the principal of Think Global, the world's first traveling high school. SJen has cemented her career as a future-focused educator and leader in Australia, holding roles such as Head of Secondary at Preshil School and Head of Tay Creggan at Strathcona Girls Grammar. She also served as a consultant with Future Schools Alliance and Director of Engagement at Future Anything, supporting innovative teaching and learning nationwide. Known for her commitment to creating positive, equitable, and engaging learning environments, Jen is a passionate advocate for student agency and creative potential. Her work is grounded in a belief that education should ignite curiosity, support wellbeing, and empower all students to thrive, and she brings a deep understanding of implementing meaningful change from her "on-the-ground" experience in progressive schools. Jen is also a dedicated lifelong learner, holding a Master of Education from The University of Melbourne and a second Master's degree from Deakin University, where her research focused on topics like student engagement ("flow") and the experiences of graduate teachers. Outside of her professional life, she is a self-confessed adventure-seeker and creative spirit. She loves to be off the grid, hiking and camping, or discovering new corners of the world. At home in Melbourne, she is a part-time artist, creating everything from wheel-thrown ceramics to quirky short films, bringing the same sense of wonder and creativity that defines her work in education to her personal projects.

    43 min

  5. SEP 28

    Sick of Managing Every Project? How Student Managers Boost Engagement and Accountability

    Do you feel like every classroom activity depends on you to keep things running? What if one small shift could hand that responsibility to your students, and spark more energy and accountability than you imagined? In this episode, I share a classroom story of empowering a student to take on the role of project manager. What began as a way to distribute responsibilities in a café project quickly expanded into labs, group work, and even whole class discussions. The result? Students who not only stepped up but often outperformed expectations, building ownership, collaboration, and confidence in the process. You'll learn: How student managers transform ordinary activities into opportunities for leadership Why peer accountability increases honesty, authenticity, and deeper engagement Simple ways to introduce the role during group work, labs, and discussions How this small shift improves work quality and frees you to mentor instead of manage Ready to stop managing every activity and start mentoring leaders? This episode shows you how student managers can change the classroom dynamic. Get the 12 Shifts Book: www.transformschool.com/whereistheteacher  Schedule a Training Strategy Call: kylewagner@transformschool.com

    12 min

  6. SEP 10

    Want to Empower Students and Staff? 3 Shifts That Actually Work

    What does it really take to lead a student-centered shift, especially in exam-driven environments? In this conversation, I sit down with Rikke (pronounced like reggae), an international school leader who is transforming her 600-student campus in Portugal to align with her bold vision: "Together, we educate for change." Rikke shares the small but intentional moves that created momentum for whole-school innovation, from restructuring timetables to redefining the role of middle leaders. Her story proves that student-centered change doesn't require perfection. It takes persistence, clear purpose, and the courage to start. You'll hear how she: Built teacher buy-in by anchoring everything in a powerful "why" Designed low-stakes spaces for teachers to experiment with projects Structured time for interdisciplinary, SDG-driven experiences without compromising academic outcomes This episode is a must-listen for curriculum leaders, coordinators, and change agents looking for realistic and replicable strategies to move from good intentions to genuine transformation. Bio: An actionist creating social change through education, Nordic leadership, and a focus on asking why, connecting ideas, and driving impact. Get the 12 Shifts Book: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713  Take The 12 Shifts Scorecard to Identity Areas for Growth: https://transformschool.com/12shiftsscorecard/

    51 min

  7. AUG 19

    Why Most Student Teams Fail. Three Shifts to Foster Collaboration and Ownership

    Why do most student teams fail, and what can you do to change it? In this re-published episode, I sit down with Kristin Damburger, Associate Division Head at Avenues, to explore the common pitfalls that prevent student teams from thriving. Kristin shares three simple shifts you can make in your classroom to turn disengaged or unproductive teams into high-functioning, collaborative groups. From redefining roles to giving students the tools to take ownership of their learning, these shifts will help foster deeper collaboration and student agency. You'll learn: Why most student teams fail and how to avoid those traps How giving students a voice in their team roles leads to greater ownership and success Simple collaborative structures for project work Why feedback loops, rather than grading, are key to accountability in group work Kristin's Bio: Kristin Damberger is a Learning Coach at the International School Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile. She has spent the last 12 years of her 15 year career in education working overseas in international schools in China, Brazil, and now Chile. She started her career teaching 6th grade English and Social Studies at a Title I school in California, where she began her experimentation with inquiry and PBL. Soon after starting a masters degree in global studies in education, she wanted to pursue a life overseas and moved to Beijing. Over the course of her international career Kristin has served in many roles, including teacher, facilitator, curriculum coordinator, Associate Division Head, and now Learning Coach. In all of these roles Kristin has had the opportunity to continue in her pursuit to redefine the traditional structures of "school" and continue to deepen and expand her work in inquiry, PBL, and design thinking.

    29 min

  8. AUG 6

    Want more Curious Learners? Start with Yourself

    Feel like curiosity is getting lost in content coverage, deadlines, or disengaged classrooms? What if our own vulnerability was the key to unlocking it? In this episode, I speak with Austin Levinson, Director of Learning at Megaminds and long-time champion of student agency, curiosity, and connection. From macro photography projects to travel blogs and AI-powered adventures, Austin shares how he models curiosity based learning alongside his students, and why doing so flips the traditional dynamic in transformative ways. You'll learn: Why "getting messy" and showing your own struggle inspires student risk-taking How co-designing projects creates ownership, purpose, and curiosity How to bring parents and administrators along when you don't have all the answers How AI can be used to scaffold—not shortcut—critical thinking and real-world inquiry Trade control for connection, and rediscover curiosity as your classroom's driving force Learn more about Megaminds: www.gomegaminds.com  Connect with Austin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/austin-levinson-innovator  Get the 12 Shifts Book: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Teacher-Kyle-Wagner/dp/1032484713  Austin's Bio: From a young age, Austin was a soccer referee, running alongside the students on the field, not standing in the center calling the shots. His early teaching roles in Oakland and Richmond, California taught him the power of connection, voice, and risk-taking in learning.Later, while designing STEM and gifted programs in international schools, he focused on deeper learning through questioning, critical thinking, and real-world purpose. Whether leading workshops for parents on constructivism and board games or offering enrichment classes in ikebana, macro photography, and juggling, he kept learning joyful and human. Back on the school soccer field, he noticed that values like empathy and leadership were best taught through shared experience, not lectures. He brought this mindset into his PBL work, discovering that students take bigger risks when they see their teacher right there with them, learning too. In one project, students used AI tools to co-design film imagery and lead their own discussions. They selected the materials, chose the protocols, and reflected on their facilitation moves—building voice, confidence, and metacognition in the process. Now as Director of Learning at MegaMinds, Austin is scaling that same spirit of agency and curiosity. Through immersive 3D environments and AI-powered challenges, he's helping tens of thousands of students think critically, take ownership, and find meaning in their learning.

    38 min
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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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