Lessons from Taiwan: Project-Based Learning and the Power of Diversity

ITP - 132 Tristan Reynolds beams in from Taiwan to explain how his startup school stops yappin’ about “global citizens” and actually coaches students into action. Think project-based learning with real tools. Teachers act less like wind-up lecterns and more like pit-crew chiefs. The place is young, scrappy, and cosmopolitan enough to turn a literature class into a live fire exercise on language and identity. We detour through semiconductors, gym-hall ballot counting, and Taipei traffic that looks like Mario Kart with medical bills. A local cop cheerfully explains his job is to write the report after the crash, which, honestly, is the most on-brand public-sector energy we’ve heard in years. Between staff bouncing across continents and students mixing mother tongues like a cocktail, the through-line is simple: teach kids to actually do stuff together, then get out of the way. Also, Tristan never remembers a toothbrush, but he does remember the tiny teapot. Priorities? Just kidding! Tristan experiences countries through local-begotten, everyday items.Links from this show:Tristan’s website: www.tristanreynolds.com Tristan Reynolds is an educator and writer who focuses on international best practices in education and the impacts of globalization on education. His work focuses on the importance of creating schools which support celebrating different cultures, and which cultivate a cosmopolitan attitude in students. He holds an M.S.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University, serves as a mentor for the UNSDSN Global Schools Program, and is a 2021 Teach For America alum.Tristan teaches at  VIS Experimental International SchoolThe article mentioned: 'The problem with English' by Mario SaraceniAlso  mentioned PBL:  What is PBL?Chapters(00:00) International Education and Project-Based Learning(05:26) The Role of Technology and Community in Education(10:58) Teaching Methodologies and Student Engagement(16:28) The Dynamics of a New School and Its Growth(19:02) The Journey of Teaching and Student Growth(20:32) Mid-show ITP Connections(21:51) Navigating Transience in International Education(24:26) Colliding Worlds: Stories from the International Circuit(28:04) Cultural Insights from Taiwan(31:18) The Role of Language and Identity in Education(36:42) Creating a Diverse Learning Environment(42:16) Personal Connections and Cultural Artifacts(45:16) Reflections and Future ConnectionsThe International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.Additional Gems Related to Our Show:Greg’s Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠Signup to be our guest  ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠Our Website⁠ -  ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠⁠JPMint Consulting Website  - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠Greg’s Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO⁠Books By Gregory Lemoine:⁠International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025)⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.⁠⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.Partner Podcasts:Just to Know You:  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/just-to-know-you/id1655096513Educators Going Global: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educators-going-global/id1657501409⁠