Project Based Learning and Brain Science With Dr. Lisa Riegel | E257

What if student behavior problems, burnout, and disengagement aren’t discipline issues… but brain issues?

In this powerful leadership episode, Ryan sits down with Dr. Lisa Riegel—author, neuroscientist, and education innovator—to explore how brain science, motivation, and belonging intersect with Project Based Learning.

Lisa explains why today’s students seem “different,” how stress shuts down learning, and why schools must shift from compliance to psychological safety, relevance, and identity-based belonging if they want real engagement.

If you’re leading a PBL shift, this episode will give you a science-backed roadmap for how to get humans—not just systems—to move.

What You’ll Learn

• Why executive function and motivation are declining in students
• How stress literally turns off the thinking brain
• The “expectancy-value” equation behind student motivation
• Why voice and choice unlock engagement at a neurological level
• How collective identity drives belonging and behavior
• Why adult culture must change before student culture can
• How to lead innovation without triggering fear-based resistance
• Why soft skills are the new currency of career readiness
• How AI is changing what it means to be “educated”

Big Ideas from the Episode

🧠 Learning is a brain state

When students feel unsafe, judged, or powerless, their brains switch into survival mode. Thinking shuts down. PBL works because it gives students control, relevance, and purpose—lowering stress and raising executive function.

📈 Motivation is math

Lisa explains the Expectancy-Value Theory:

Motivation = “I believe I can” × “I care about this”

If either side is zero, motivation collapses. That’s why irrelevant worksheets and rigid instruction fail—even with “good” kids.

🤝 Belonging is not optional

If a student walks into class and feels like they don’t belong, their brain perceives danger. Fight, flight, freeze, or tune-out follows. Strong classroom identity isn’t a feel-good extra—it’s neurological survival.

🧑‍🏫 Adults need psychological safety too

Change feels dangerous to the brain—especially for high-performers who fear becoming beginners again. That’s why leadership must start with trust, celebration, and permission to fail.

Leadership Strategies Discussed

• Creating adult PBIS systems that build real relationships
• Using authentic celebration tied to growth
• Starting innovation with early adopters
• Supporting “willing but not able” staff
• Reducing resistance by staying inside people’s Zone of Proximal Development

Why This Matters Right Now

AI is offloading human thinking at an alarming rate.

In five years, success won’t be about what students know—it will be about how they think, regulate stress, solve problems, and work with others.

Resources and links:

www.lisariegel.com