Blog - Page 2 of 46 - John Spencer

Jul 16 2024

Sprints, Mini-Projects, and Project-Based Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast One Comment

This would be the year. I would be a fully project-based social studies teacher. After reading every PBL book I could read and attending PBL sessions at a few summer conferences, I had a vision for a new way of teaching my subject. My third…

Jul 08 2024

Carl Azuz on Media Literacy and Journalism in Age of Machine Learning

By John Spencer Literacy, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy No Comments

In my latest podcast episode, I talk to Carl Azuz, who shares insights into media literacy and current events within the K-12 classroom. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to listen to it on the go, just click on…

Jun 24 2024

Creative Habits Versus Creative Momentum

By John Spencer Creativity, Creativity Deconstructed, Podcast 2 Comments

We often hear about the need to develop creative habits. However, habits alone can lead to stagnation. You end up flat lining. In this week's article and podcast, I share a different approach: creative momentum. The summer time can be a great chance to build…

Jun 18 2024

From Battlefields to Common Ground: Embracing Nuance, Paradox, and Empathy in Education

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Teacher Life 4 Comments

Something about the current educational climate has me feeling unsettled. Although I often write about PBL, educational technology, and student empowerment, I want to share something different this week. It's about paradox, nuance, empathy, and the danger in making things a "war" in education. Listen…

Jun 07 2024

Crystal Frommert on How to Connect with Parents and Families in a Positive Way

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast No Comments

In my latest podcast, I interview Crystal Frommert, who shares insights and strategies for building and maintaining a positive relationship with parents / parental figures. She has a wealth of experience and I'm excited to share this with you. Listen to the Podcast If you…

May 23 2024

Why AI Can’t Replace Teachers

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Creativity, Podcast One Comment

For all the hype about AI replacing teachers, the reality is that teachers are irreplaceable. It is a deeply human endeavor. The teachers who can leverage this human element through authentic learning will ultimately prepare students for an unpredictable world forged by AI. Listen to…

May 06 2024

Promoting Academic Integrity in the Age of Generative AI

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Creativity, Podcast 3 Comments

We often talk about the need for students to have voice and choice in their learning. We want them to engage in meaningful, productive struggle as they do projects and engage in problem-solving. But where does AI fit into this? In past articles, we've explored…

Apr 30 2024

Using AI to Bridge the Gap from Theory to Practice

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Podcast 2 Comments

It's easy to get dismissive about educational theory. I've heard teachers say "Don't bother with the theory. Just focus on practical strategies." But when done well, theory can provide a roadmap and framework we can use. It can be a nuanced dialogue that cuts to…

Apr 15 2024

How to Prevent AI from Doing All the Thinking

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Podcast 2 Comments

Cognitive atrophy happens any time we lose the ability to engage in a mental process due to inactivity. In a world of Artificial Intelligence, we need to be cognizant of the dangers of cognitive atrophy so that we can continue to engage in curiosity, creativity,…

Apr 09 2024

Grace Hawthorne on How to Make Possibilities Happen

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast No Comments

In my latest episode, Grace Hawthorne, author of Make Possibilities Happen, shares practical insights into how to spark creativity in students. She has a wealth of knowledge and shares key insights throughout this episode. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d…