Where Is the Teacher? The 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments

Kids today can learn more from a five-minute YouTube video or AI chatbot than they can from a full day of lectures. So what then is our role as classroom teachers?

In this groundbreaking book, seasoned educator Kyle Wagner explains the new role of the teacher in the 4th industrial revolution. You will learn how to shift from being a deliverer of content, to a thoughtful designer and facilitator of student-centered learning experiences who gently guides from behind the scenes. Kyle, a veteran co-learning experience designer, former classroom teacher, and school leader, unpacks each of the 12 shifts required to build these student-centered environments. Chapters cover how to shift from a content-based to inquiry-based approach; develop relevant, interdisciplinary skills; cultivate meaningful student reflection; curate beautiful, real-world work; facilitate student-led discussion; and more.

Through stories from real student-centered classrooms around each shift, and anecdotes from the author?s experience teaching and leading micro-academies, you will come away ready to unleash student creativity, build thoughtful inquirers, and develop self-directed learners within your own context.

Part I: Learner-Centered Design and Unleashing Student Inquiry Shift #1 (Chapter 1). From Teacher-Designed Learning to Co-Designed Learning Shift #2 (Chapter 2). From Content-Led Learning to Inquiry-Based Learning Shift #3 (Chapter 3). From Teacher-Led Inquiry to Student-Led Inquiry Shift #4 (Chapter 4). From Isolated Curriculum and Skills by Discipline to Relevant, Transdisciplinary Skills Part II: Curating Beautiful Work and Thoughtful Student Reflection Shift #5 (Chapter 5). From Limiting Students with Grades to Empowering Them through Pursuit of their Interests and Real-World Problems Shift #6 (Chapter 6). From Worksheets and Tests Based Work to Real World Products and Services Shift #7 (Chapter 7). From Product Based Focus to Process Based Reflection Part III: Building a Collaborative Culture Shift #8 (Chapter Eight). From Independent Task Completion to Collaborative Task Completion Shift #9 (Chapter Nine). From Teacher-Led Discussion to Facilitated, Socratic dialogue Part IV: Evaluating and Exhibiting Learning Shift #10 (Chapter 10). From Progress Evaluated by the Teacher to Progress Fed Forward and Critiqued by Students, Peers, Experts Shift #11 (Chapter 11). From Teacher Audience to Authentic, Public Audience Shift #12 (Chapter 12). From School-Based Beneficiary to Community Partner Part V: Conclusion

Kyle Wagner is the founder and lead PBL/Learning Design Coach for Transform Educational Consulting Limited, an organization that empowers forward thinking schools and educators to create more globally, socially, and emotionally aware citizens through project-based experiences and student-centered environments. Kyle is also the former Coordinator of Futures Academy at the International School of Beijing, has 12 years classroom teaching experience, and worked as a Humanities Teacher at world-renowned High Tech High. He has authored The Power of SIMPLE, hosts a popular podcast, and holds an M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership.