The Power of PBL: How Student-Led Learning Can Change the World

Today, I’m sharing an inspiring TEDx talk that captures the heart of Project-Based Learning (PBL). In this video, a young student shares how her learning journey transformed when she was given the opportunity to explore real-world problems in meaningful ways. Through a school project, she not only learned about plastic pollution. She launched a youth-focused business to raise awareness and inspire change.

🎥 Watch the video here

What struck me most in this talk is how student voice and ownership can lead to powerful outcomes that extend far beyond the classroom. This is the kind of learning makes such a meaningful impact, both individually and globally. In this type of environment, students are not passive recipients of information, but active change makers who take initiative, solve real problems, and contribute to the world around them.

At Rekla Consulting and Learning Studios, we support schools and educators in shifting toward Project-Based and Phenomenon-Based Learning models that empower students to think critically, act creatively, and solve real-life problems. The Finnish education model, which influences all our work, emphasizes relevance, collaboration, and deep engagement—values that clearly shine through in this speaker’s journey.

💭 Reflection:

How might your classroom or school look different if students led their own learning projects?Have you seen student-driven work create real-world impact?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share in the comments or connect with me.

📩 Interested in bringing more PBL into your teaching? Contact me to explore training options, or visit our Services page to learn how Rekla can support your school or team.