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.
Table of Contents:
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
About the Author :
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.
Review :
"Kyle Wagner’s Where Is the Teacher? is a compelling argument for the shift towards student-centered learning, a transformation long overdue. His insights will challenge you to rethink your role as a teacher and inspire a generation of critical thinkers and problem-solvers through innovative teaching practices."
Danny Bauer, CEO/Founder, Better Leaders Better Schools, 3x Best Selling Author, Top .5% Podcast Host
"We need to re-think teaching and learning in our schools. But in our standardized, test-laden, content-centered environment, where does one begin? In this book Kyle Wagner, a master teacher, offers a compendium of inspiring examples and practical advice from around the world, tempered by the wisdom of countless students and educators that he has encountered over the years. Kyle takes us behind the scenes and into the weeds of powerful projects, to their underpinnings in dialog, collaborative inquiry, co-design, authentic assessment, and community connections. More important, he situates the stories and examples in a conceptual framework comprising twelve shifts in teaching practice—a collection of starting points, and much more, for the transition from content-centered to learner-centered practice. Kyle reminds us that this transition is not easy—but he opens up pathways and lightens the burden with wisdom, encouragement, and practical suggestions, always finding joy in the work. New and veteran teachers alike will find plenty to dig into here."
Rob Riordan, Co-Founder, High Tech High
"Where is the Teacher: Twelve Shifts for Student-Centered Environments is brilliant. I love how each chapter takes the reader on a journey of discovery focusing on that particular shift. There are so many great moments in the book I have had to bookmark them for future reference. I think what I liked most however, was even though Kyle warns the reader very early on that the book is not a ‘how to’ guide, each and every chapter has such a wealth of great examples of student- centred approaches that the reader can’t help but relate and figure out how to use them in their own context."
Deborah McNally, Head of Academic Improvement, YCYW Education Network
"Kyle Wagner provides a beautiful argument for, and description of, the shift from traditional educational models to student-centered, inquiry-based, deeper learning. His approach is descriptive, not prescriptive, based on his work with schools in a wide range of settings around the world. His tone is refreshingly realistic about the challenges and always positive about the potential. The book is packed full of examples of successful projects and transformed classrooms, as well as thinking routines, protocols, and structures. It is a perfect guide for teachers on this journey."
Ron Berger, Chief Program Officer of Expeditionary Learning, Author and Public School Teacher for 25 Years
"Kyle's new book, Where Is the Teacher? is more than just a catchy title.
Kyle has lived this role as a teacher-facilitator. He's made each of the 12 Shifts himself and has helped many schools along the way do the same.
Maybe what I love most about the book is that it's filled with real-life examples from teachers all over the world. And sometimes even the smallest shifts have made a huge impact on learning for kids. The book gives practical and actionable ways to answer the question "How do I do that?" but also grapples with those big conversations about why schools need to change in the first place."
Loni Bergqvist, Founder of Imagine If, Former Educator at High Tech High, 20+ years PBL Experience
