Throughout history, some educators have boldly redefined what it means to teach. From Maria Montessori, who revolutionized early childhood education by making the classroom an exploratory playground, to John Keating, the fictional but unforgettable teacher of Dead Poets Society, who urged his students to “seize the day.” Their methods might have raised eyebrows, but their impact was undeniable. At IE University, we’re proud to count our own disruptors among these ranks—trailblazers like Professor Brendan Anglin.
A rumor had been circulating through the halls: a Leadership and Influence class where students became teachers and lessons unfolded through, of all things, a dance-off. Curious, we investigated. What we discovered went beyond a quirky anecdote; it was a story about student-led learning and how this kind of unconventional teaching can spark engagement, growth and an entirely new perspective on education.
A classroom turned dance floor
In Professor Anglin’s second-year Bachelor in Behavior and Social Sciences class, traditional hierarchies were turned upside down. Students were tasked with leading the lesson. So, we attended a class and watched as they combined theory with practice in the most Gen Z way imaginable—through dance. The leading students tought us how to set SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound). After explaining the theory, they split the class into groups and asked them to choreograph routines that embodied these goals. The result? An unforgettable session where learning happened through movement, laughter and a whole lot of creativity.
“What better way to learn behavioral science than by putting theory into practice,” Anglin says. His philosophy is simple but powerful: to teach leadership, one must practice it. And in this classroom, that meant empowering students to lead.
Student-led learning: A visionary approach
Professor Brendan Anglin’s career spans over two decades, during which he’s taught more than 10,000 students on topics ranging from negotiation and intercultural communication to social sciences and research methods. Yet his “students as teachers” model stands out.
“The leader-leader model inspired me. If I’m teaching about trust and empowerment, it’s only fair to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.”
Preparation for this unconventional approach begins in the course’s first sessions. Students delve into concepts like project management, storytelling and gamification—building blocks for crafting their own lessons. “The first groups set the standard,” Anglin notes. “From there, it’s about letting go and trusting them to rise to the challenge.”
And rise they did. According to student Pien Van Tujin, stepping into the role of teacher was a mix of nerves and exhilaration. “I was a nervous wreck at first,” she admits. “But after the first five minutes, it was so much fun. It gave me a new respect for professors and everything they do to prepare for each class.”
Of course, leading is not without it’s challenges
“In the beginning, students can’t see the end goal,” Anglin says. “They have to push through confusion and uncertainty.” But with time, they learn to embrace the process behind student-led learning—developing critical skills like teamwork, public speaking and adaptability along the way.
Pien recalls one such challenge: teaching SMART goals, a challenge that many of my classmates had already encountered. “We didn’t want to be redundant,” she explains. “So after some brainstorming, we decided on dancing. And man, am I happy we did! It was a hit.”
But…what’s the bigger picture?
For Professor Anglin, the student-led learning teaching model is about more than just an engaging class; it’s about preparing students for life. “They realize they’re responsible for their own development,” he says. “It shifts their perspective from passive recipients to active agents.” And here’s the proof: each group of students was quizzed on the lesson at the end of the class. And, guess what? They answered every question correctly.
Students seem to agree. “I now see lectures through a completely different lens,” says Pien. “I’ll never sit distracted on my laptop again. After standing up there myself, I know how much effort goes into teaching, and I respect it so much more.”
Fostering innovation at IE University
At IE University, we believe that education should be as dynamic and forward-thinking as the world we’re preparing students to enter. That’s why we seek out professors like Brendan Anglin—educators who challenge conventions and encourage students to take ownership of their learning. It’s this commitment to innovation that makes the IEU experience truly unique.
So, the next time you hear about a class that turns into a dance-off or see students running the show, don’t be surprised. That’s just another day at IE University, where teaching isn’t about following the script—it’s about rewriting it.