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Rob Houben

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Looking back, and a small step forward

It’s December, a natural moment to look back, but also to look ahead. That’s exactly what I’d like to do in this update. I won’t take much of your time. Below is a simple overview of what you’ll find in this newsletter, so you can decide what to read now, and what to skip while your thoughts drif...

Dec 16, 2025

What if it’s not our learners who get stuck, but the expectations we place on them?

I recently came across a post by neuropsychologist Jelle Jolles that centres exactly on this question. He argues that much of what we label as “behaviour” is actually a reflection of our own assumptions. The issue is rarely what a young person is not doing, but what we think they should already b...

Dec 09, 2025

Let’s solve one of my biggest frustrations

I have an exciting announcement. And it begins with one of my biggest frustrations: personal project-based education is beautiful, but oh so labour-intensive!It’s a frustration that stayed with me through my years at Agora and in every school where I supported project-based learning. When I coach...

Dec 02, 2025 software wondering

How routines grow on their own

Last week, after sharing my story about taking my class outside, a reader sent me a thoughtful question. I will summarise it here: “How do you build routines together? Routines we all agree on seem stronger than routines imposed from above. But how do you create them without fear, pressure or th...

Nov 25, 2025 intentional

The day we walked hand in hand into school

“At the beginning of class it takes ten minutes before everyone sits down, becomes quiet, and lets me start the lesson.” I’ve said that sentence more times than I’d like to admit. I’ve complained about it in the teacher's lounge, to parents, and I’ve confronted learners with it. Told them it was ...

Nov 18, 2025

When and how do we let them use AI?

When and how do we let them use AI? It’s the new version of an old question. Schools have been wondering for years when to introduce technology in learning, at what age to give each learner a laptop, or how much time behind a screen is too much. Parents, on the other hand, keep asking slightly di...

Nov 11, 2025

From shaking hands to standing tall: the confidence that comes from quality

This week and next, I am speaking at two major education conferences in Denmark.Lots of people will be in the audience. I will walk in, take the stage, and start.Almost no nerves. Definitely no panic. Only focus, energy, and self-confidence. And that last word — self-confidence — is what I’ve bee...

Nov 04, 2025

🌊 This weekend, I was in Flow.

After years of shoulder and elbow injuries, I had almost accepted that windsurfing would remain something from my past.For a while, I went out occasionally — careful, hesitant, afraid to push too hard.But since this spring, I’ve been back.Fully. And this weekend, for two days in a row, everything...

Oct 28, 2025 influencing the circumstances

Why I stopped telling people what to do

Hi , When I first started leading projects and innovations, back in 2005 (I’m getting old, and I’m okay with that), I thought my job was to give direction, to tell people what to do next.It felt natural, even helpful. They even asked for it.But I’ve learned that just because people ask for someth...

Oct 21, 2025 ensure ongoing personal & collaborative development

Real buy-in Isn’t forced. It’s facilitated.

Last week, I shared a story about the importance of synergy over debate. That conversation started with a visit from Australian teachers and school leaders to my hometown, and a simple but powerful truth: If you’re pulling others forward, they will almost always resist. But if you shape the right...

Oct 14, 2025 influencing the circumstances

Stop pulling, start connecting

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly pulling people along? Students who need convincing that it’s worth putting in the effort.Colleagues who’ve been doing things the same way for years and seem unmoved by new ideas.Team members who nod politely but don’t really engage. I’ve been there. And I...

Oct 07, 2025

A Better Tomorrow Starts Small: Rebalance Routine & Intention

Last week I visited the Herman Broerenschool in Roermond. It is a special school for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities. During my tour with principal Nathalie Schotanus, I kept noticing the same pattern: rhythm and structure were everywhere, but always shaped around the in...

by Rob Houben — Sep 30, 2025 intentional

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