Building Strong Foundations: How Instructional Innovation and PBL Transform Teaching, with Dr. Jorge Valenzuela

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we sit down with education coach, author, and researcher Dr. Jorge Valenzuela to explore how instructional innovation and project-based learning (PBL) can transform the learning experience and empower both students and educators. Jorge introduces the updated second edition of his book, Project-Based Learning+: Enhancing Academic Learning and Essential Life Skills, and shares how combining academic learning with essential life skills—like emotional intelligence, career readiness, and self-knowledge—creates powerful outcomes. Tune in to hear about how action research, personalized learning, and timely feedback can help educators meet students where they are. You’ll also discover practical tools, strategies for integrating AI in the classroom, and ways to foster student agency through relevant, real-world learning experiences. Whether you're new to PBL or looking to deepen your practice, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.