We reflect on our transformative journey to India, where we collaborated with passionate educators at the PBL Conference in Sonipat, using structural learning tools to empower deeper thinking and learning. This article captures the workshops, insights, and inspiring connections made across diverse educational communities in South Asia.
In November 2024, I had the privilege of traveling to India to participate in a series of workshops and the Project-Based Learning (PBL) Conference in Sonipat, just outside Delhi. What struck me immediately was the warmth and generosity of the people I encountered. The teachers and educational leaders we met were not only welcoming but deeply passionate about transforming learning experiences for their students. This trip wasn’t just about sharing ideas—it was a profound exchange of perspectives that left me inspired.
The heart of our visit was a series of workshops designed to empower educators to shift more of the cognitive load to their students. We explored scaffolding strategies using the Thinking Framework, a toolkit designed to make learning visible and collaborative. The Indian teachers immediately connected with the idea of making thinking more structured and explicit.
In one session, we used the Thinking Framework to generate and visualise students learning journeys. Educators embraced this tool as a way to structure students' thinking, showing how even abstract concepts could become manageable when visualized.
This image captures a group of teachers working intently on their Learning Journeys. Their shared focus, coupled with animated discussions, highlights how engaging and empowering these visual tools can be.
Another standout workshop focused on using Mind Maps for curriculum planning. Teachers grouped together to brainstorm how to break down complex topics, such as climate change, into smaller, connected ideas. The goal was to make learning more accessible and encourage students to take charge of their understanding.
This vibrant photo shows teachers laughing and exchanging ideas. It captures the spirit of collaboration that permeated every workshop.
We also introduced the Writer’s Block methodology, which enables students to model their thinking using tactile tools. Teachers built mental models of learning journeys, exploring how these physical representations could help students structure knowledge. The hands-on approach resonated deeply, and the excitement in the room was palpable. The teachers eagerness to experiment with these tools exemplifies the adaptability of structural learning techniques.
The PBL Conference in Sonipat was a melting pot of ideas, drawing educators from across India and neighboring Nepal. The event’s energy was undeniable—every session felt like a celebration of collective learning. One particularly inspiring aspect was hearing from teachers who had traveled great distances to attend, including a group from South India. Their stories of integrating project-based learning in rural classrooms demonstrated the universal relevance of these approaches.
This picture is a snapshot of the conference’s collaborative essence, where ideas flowed freely and partnerships formed organically.
One session I found particularly moving involved a teacher from Nepal, who shared how project-based learning had transformed her students’ engagement with science. By connecting academic concepts to real-world applications, her students began to see their learning as meaningful and impactful.
This image captures a discussion, with passionate educators sharing insights. Their expressions convey the excitement and seriousness with which they are tackling the future of education.
One profound takeaway was the power of project-based learning to connect curriculum with real-world challenges. Teachers shared how these methods not only increased student engagement but also fostered key skills like collaboration, resilience, and problem-solving. Structural learning tools helped visualize these connections, making abstract ideas tangible for both teachers and students.
This experience reaffirmed that education, at its core, is about connection—connecting ideas, people, and the world around us. The enthusiasm and dedication of the educators we worked with in India left me inspired to continue advocating for approaches that prioritize thinking and collaboration.
India’s educators reminded me of the transformative potential of collaboration. Their hospitality and eagerness to innovate are proof that when educators come together with a shared purpose, the possibilities are endless. These images, these stories—they’re more than memories; they’re reminders of the profound impact we can make when we come together to think, learn, and grow.
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