Transformative Learning Experiences with Kyle Wagner

• Use simple classroom routines to put students in charge of the learning process
• Masterfully guide learning in whatever direction your students want to take it
• Use student passion and interest as a starting point for the learning process- and still be able to teach them how to read, write and do arithmetic
• 'Trust in the Process'
• Get students to ask questions that would baffle full grown adults
• "Sit back and listen and watch the little people in this world blow you away."

Get in Touch With Rosie:

Instagram: @ accidentally_alternative

LinkedIn: @rosie-howes-38b3244a

Rosie's Bio:

Rosie Howes is a teacher from London, UK. She has worked in a range of inner London schools across the Early Years and Key Stage 1.

After moving to Australia, she discovered a very different school setting. Rosie joined the team at Currambena School, a democratic school with a truly child-centered approach. During this time, a spark was ignited and she never saw education the same way again. Instead of focusing on reading and writing (a previous love of hers), she grew to embrace a uniquely holistic curriculum and the notion of 'Free Fridays'.

The democratic values and respect for childhood supported Rosie's journey into alternative education. When she moved to Hong Kong, Rosie knew she could no longer work in a system focused on assessment and tick boxes. In 2020, Rosie joined Highgate House School, an international Waldorf Kindergarten, and over the last year has thrown herself into learning more about the Waldorf approach to education.

At school you can find her in the garden, baking bread and telling stories.

In this short podcast episode, learn from project advisor Michael Skorker, and student project leaders Charlotte and Emma how to:

1. Facilitate 70+ projects by turning students into self-managers
2. Connect student work to communities outside of school
3. Foster collaboration on projects across multiple ages/grade levels.
4. Transform students from passive participants in projects, to active, empathetic citizens

Connect w/ Medford CCCSR on Facebook: @TheCCSR

View Project on Instagram: @paintingpositivity_mhs

Medford CCSR's Website: medfordccsr.org

Medford Center Bio: The mission of the CCSR is to develop responsible global leaders/citizens who will be positive contributors to society and will work to combat important social issues such as global warming, addiction, prejudice, racism, pollution, gender bias, poverty, public education, healthcare, etc. We believe by providing the proper learning activities, we can prevent students from becoming addicted to harmful substances and developing negative perceptions of others.

How do you design learning in your classroom/school? Imagine inviting student input on everything from the way the timetable is organized, to the design of learning experiences, even to how they are assessed and evaluated. That's the kind of voice and choice The Green School Bali provides its learners. And their learners are empowered as a result. In this illuminating podcast episode, Head of the Upper School/Learning Dialogist/Writer/Podcaster Dr. Benjamin Freud and I unpack:

• Practical methods for inviting student voice/choice into the design of learning
• How to include more community voices, including parents, local community stakeholders and the bio-collective
• How to organize curriculum around students' interests, sustainability, and other topics and projects they hope to explore
• The kind of mindset required to welcome continual feedback, iteration, and collective co-design and ways to adopt it

Connect with Dr. Benjamin Freud: LinkedIN, Twitter/X

Learn more about Coconut Thinking (Ben's Podcast): https://coconut-thinking.com/benjamin-freud/

Learn more about the Green School, Bali: https://www.greenschool.org/

Take the Free 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Scorecard: www.transformschool.com/12shiftsscorecard

Pre-Order the 12 Shifts Book (coming in August): www.transformschool.com/whereistheteacher

Dr. Benjamin Freud's Bio: Dr. Benjamin Freud is an educator, learning dialogist, writer, and podcaster. He is the co-founder of Coconut Thinking, an advisory that helps and supports educators nurture learning ecosystems grounded in relationships that contribute to the thriving of the bio-collective—any living thing that has an interest in the healthfulness of the planet. He designs learning experiences that de-center the human, moving us toward a more ecological civilization. He is also the Head of Upper School at The Green School Bali.

Before Green School, Benjamin was the Whole School Director of Learning at Prem Tinsulanonda International School in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He focused on the “lived” curriculum. He considered ways to develop a culture of active learning, where disciplinary boundaries start to disappear, and learners engage in meaningful projects that have an impact on themselves, others, and the world...all of this preferably taking place outside. He was responsible for teacher professional development, introducing innovative pedagogical practices, and taught classes from G4 to G12.

Before Prem, Benjamin was at Misk Schools, the most prestigious and high profile school in Saudi Arabia. Along with being responsible for all day-to-day operations and leadership in the Boys’ School, Benjamin developed a unique curriculum to nurture and develop creativity, competencies, and entrepreneurial spirit in learners. He was responsible for designing authentic and Problem-Based Learning experiences across the school and for developing and implementing Personal Learning Pathways for each learner, to understand their academic and personal needs so that they can best thrive.

What is deep learning?

Is it students engrossed in semester long units or learning experiences? Inquiring, probing, investigating, and making meaning of their learning.

Perhaps.

But most of us don't have that kind of time, or freedom with our curriculum.

What if deeper learning didn’t mean re-organizing everything we had, but simply making a few tweaks to what's already there..

• Gathering students around a kitchen table we brought in for more balanced discussion
• Extending time of activities by a few minutes to allow for reflection
• Letting students rearrange the classroom to align to how they learn best

These are all ways Elementary Principal Jenn Fisher is helping teachers grow Deeper Learning Classrooms at her school. The response from teachers and students..."We can never go back!"

Learn more about her transformation story and how deeper learning practices in your own context can transform once passive students into active, empowered learners.

Connect with Jenn: LinkedIn, Twitter (@stmartinschoole)

Pre-Order the 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments Book: www.transformschool.com/whereistheteacher

Target Areas of Growth for Student-Centered Enviromnents: www.transformschool.com/12shiftsscorecard

Jenn's Bio:

Jenn Fisher is a dedicated educator whose passion lies in fostering healthier and more engaged students through outdoor experiences, play, and amplifying student voice. With over 12 years of experience as a principal, Jenn has consistently championed innovative approaches to education that prioritize student empowerment and holistic learning. Throughout her career, Jenn has firmly believed in the power of experiential learning and has actively incorporated outdoor activities and play into the curriculum. She understands that when students are actively engaged in their learning environment, they not only absorb information more effectively but also develop crucial life skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience.

As a Principal, Jenn has been instrumental in creating a school culture that values student input and encourages them to take ownership of their learning journey. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of students.In her newest professional development venture in Deep Learning, Jenn is exploring how educational change can engage and empower students to take control of their education. She is passionate about creating learning environments that not only cater to students' academic needs but also nurture their passions and interests. By focusing on how, where, and what students learn, Jenn aims to create transformative educational experiences that prepare students for success in an ever-changing world.Jenn Fisher's commitment to student-centered education, coupled with her innovative approach to teaching and learning, makes her a highly respected leader in the field of education. Her work continues to inspire educators and students alike to strive for excellence and embrace change as a catalyst for growth and empowerment.

What happens to the classroom environment when you give students a real problem to address?

That's what Dave Strudwick, former Teacher/Principal of Real School Budapest was wondering when he asked year 5 students to fuse literacy, multimedia, and fashion to "create a better world."

His classroom transformed from a teacher-centered space to a real world design studio, with students taking on roles as sustainble fashion designers, and magazine publishers.

Learn more about his transformation story and how through a few simple shifts, you can experience the same transformation in your classroom as well.

Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-strudwick-a6152128/

Get the 12 Shifts Book: www.transformschool.com/whereistheteacher

Take the 12 Shifts Scorecard to Identify Target Areas of Growth: www.transformschool.com/12shiftsscorecard

Learn more about the 12 Shifts Master Class starting in January: www.transformschool.com/12shiftsmasterclass

Dave's Bio:

Dave is a creative leader who has founded three schools and lead others. He has worked in a wide range of contexts including schools, museums, with tech companies, start ups, and with excluded children. His focus is on the development of rounded young people who have great knowledge, habits of success, creative know how and way finding abilities. He loves writing, facilitating workshops and keynote speaking that looks to design and develop curriculum, pedagogy, community and culture. His approach improves outcomes through the development of people, student ownership, digital processes and creating a high quality learning environment.