Vol. 4 2025

Review by Ann H. Aust

Mindset for Success: The Powerful Partnership of Problem-Based Learning & PLC at Work. Solution Tree. 2025. 129 pp. (pbk) ISBN: 9781958590577

     If you are an educator who is ready and eager to learn how to integrate the educational initiatives of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Professional Learning Communities (PLC) into your work successfully, this book is a must read. Mindset for Success: The Powerful Partnership of Problem-Based Learning & PLC at Work seamlessly integrates Professional Learning Communities with Problem-Based Learning to foster a growth mindset among educators.

     Designed for K–12 school leaders and teachers, this resource provides practical tools and introduces a “Think This, Do This” framework. Involvement of both teachers and administrators is an important and necessary component of successful teaching and learning. The comprehensive approach to teaching and learning, not only supports teachers, but also engages K-12 school administrators to assist in the transition from fixed mindsets to growth mindsets.

     By enhancing collaboration, trust, and a sense of belonging within educational teams, the authors aim to create a path to a more dynamic, engaging, and productive learning environment, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes. The framework is an invaluable one, as it encourages creative, divergent thinking that focuses on the process of problem-solving, within professional learning communities.

Part 1: The Will and Skill
     The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 outlines the theories and tenets behind PBL and PLCs. A review of the two concepts is included and there is a strong reminder that the relationship between the will to do something and the skill to do something is not necessarily a given. The authors state the need for a new way of thinking and call upon educators to approach the powerful concept of PLCs with a problem-based learning approach.

By enhancing collaboration, trust, and a sense
of belonging within educational teams,
the authors aim to create a path to a more
dynamic, engaging, and productive
learning environment …

     Part 1 delves into the realities of working in a PLC, and the authors are forthright about the hard work it takes to participate in the process successfully. Trust and collaboration are important parts of a working PLC, and in the absence of these characteristics, the impact of the PLC is lost. Teachers, whose focus must be on improving student growth and learning, must agree to work together to achieve this goal. Professional development should be available for teachers who have the willingness to develop these skills.

Part 2: PBL Training Modules
      The second part of the book introduces the “Think This, Do This” framework. The authors explain this concept, as a necessary element of approaching PLCs with a PBL mindset. This section of the book includes detailed PBL scenarios, designed to encourage and empower educators to implement growth mindset principles effectively. The guided PBL situations help teachers practice and integrate the concepts into their work, promoting a smoother transition to collaborative learning-focused initiatives. The scenarios are not only beneficial for those who are just beginning to understand and use PBL and PLC frameworks, they also are helpful to those who are well-versed in the practices.

For educators committed to professional development and seeking transformative change, this book is a vital resource…

      For educators committed to professional development and seeking transformative change, this book is a vital resource, offering diverse methods and strategies to enhance resilience, skill development, and collaboration among teachers. The book is well-organized, transitioning smoothly from theory to practice, and it aligns with contemporary educational reforms that focus on collaborative learning, making it a must-read for teachers dedicated to fostering change.

     Mindset for Success: The Powerful Partnership of Problem-Based Learning & PLC at Work excels at delivering practical insights and real-world examples. To further enrich the dialogue, a more in-depth discussion of the challenges faced when implementing PBL and PLC across various educational contexts could be approached. Overall, the book is a useful resource that adds significant value to the education field by merging PBL and PLC with growth mindset principles. It is ideal for K-12 school leaders, teacher leaders, and senior-level administrators seeking to foster a growth-oriented culture. Its extensive strategies and tools make it invaluable for educators seeking to enhance their practice, to create a more engaging and effective learning environment.

Ann H. Aust, EdD is Program Director of the Master Degree in Education program and Professor, Graduate School of Education at North Greenville University,
Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, South Carolina
Ann Aust can be reached at aaust@ngu.edu