Structure vs. Space: What Students Really Need to Thrive | The Student-Centered Shift: Empowered International Schools and Classrooms Through Project-Based Learning | Podwise
This episode explores the concept of the "third teacher," referring to the learning space and how it can be designed to foster exploration, risk-taking, and curiosity-driven learning. Host Kyle Wagner interviews Lawrence Tai, a wellness instructor who creates such spaces through yoga, sound healing, animal flow, and forest bathing classes. Tai shares his journey from a stable government job to building a wellness business, driven by a desire to help others find meaning and release tension, especially during COVID. He emphasizes student-centered learning as inspiring students to explore at their own pace, contrasting it with traditional Asian education. Tai discusses creating safe spaces in nature and movement classes, where individuals can explore their limitations and potential, receiving feedback in a comfortable, trusting environment. The episode further delves into the importance of well-being and self-reflection for educators, suggesting practices like meditation and journaling to enhance their ability to create student-centered classrooms, and concludes with Tai's upcoming retreat in Bali, focused on learning, exploration, and connection.
