Transforming Learning Through Structure and Creativity ????

This weekend, I had the privilege of attending Immersion 2024: A PBL Conference for School Leaders in Sonipat, India. The event brought together educators and leaders from across India, Nepal, and beyond to explore how project-based learning (PBL) can transform education. The conference was a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for deeper learning experiences for students.

At Structural Learning, our role was to support this vision by introducing thinking tools that help scaffold inquiry, collaboration, and metacognition. In the workshops we conducted, we explored how learning journeys can empower students to take more responsibility for their learning. Tools like block-building activities provided a tangible way to scaffold collaborative tasks, while the thinking framework offered a structure for designing meaningful, inquiry-driven learning experiences.

The warmth and generosity of the Indian and Nepalese school leaders were truly inspiring. Their openness to exploring new approaches and their dedication to creative, student-centered learning made this conference an unforgettable experience. Collaborating with such innovative educators highlighted that, while our educational systems and curricula may differ, the essence of learning is universal: visualization of ideas, talk-based activities, and connection-making strategies resonate with learners everywhere.

We came away with clear insights into how school leaders and teachers can use the thinking framework to create learning experiences that lead to deeper outcomes. Here are three practical ways to integrate it into your curriculum:

1. Use the Thinking Framework to Scope the Inquiry Begin by mapping out the broad direction of the project. The thinking framework can help educators identify key points where learners will engage in deep-level thought. This clarity ensures that inquiry is purposeful and aligns with the desired learning outcomes.
2. Select the Right Tools to Scaffold Learning Once the learning journey is defined, choose tools like graphic organizers, block-building activities, or talk tactics to support the process. These tools help learners organize their thinking, embrace social learning, and engage deeply with the inquiry.
3. Generate Assessment Criteria Using the Framework The thinking framework can also guide the creation of "I can" statements, establishing clear expectations for students. For example, using learning actions like categorize or validate, teachers can outline what depth of knowledge looks like at various stages of the project.

One of the most striking takeaways from Immersion 2024 was how universal the mechanisms of learning are. Regardless of curriculum or system, students thrive when they can visualize their ideas, connect their thinking, and collaborate meaningfully. These tools and strategies are adaptable, making them relevant in any educational context.

The conference has been a reminder of the incredible creativity and commitment of educators worldwide. I’m grateful for the chance to collaborate with such forward-thinking leaders and look forward to seeing the impact of these approaches in classrooms across the globe.