Blog - Page 5 of 49 - Spencer Education

Dec 09 2024

Get the FREE Design a School on Mars Challenge!

By John Spencer Creativity 2 Comments

Eight years ago, A.J. Juliani and I launched the Design a School on Mars challenge. This year, we decided to update the challenge with new supports and a new process based on what we have learned in our continued PBL and design thinking journey. We…

Dec 04 2024

Designing PBL to Decrease Cognitive Load

By John Spencer Creativity, Depth Advantage, Podcast 4 Comments

In my last article, I described how deeper learning functions as a solution for distraction. But this week, I want to address one of the very real challenges of deeper learning systems, like project-based learning and inquiry-based learning. In particular, what about the problem with…

Nov 20 2024

From Scrolling to Solving – Why Deeper Learning is Vital in a Distracted World

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Depth Advantage, Podcast One Comment

It's no secret that students are distracted. But what type of pedagogical approach can we take that helps students engage in sustained, focused learning that leads to endurance rather than distraction? In my latest article in the series The Concentration Code I shared an overview of…

Nov 13 2024

Designing Systems that Reduce Distractions and Improve Focused Learning

By John Spencer Depth Advantage, Podcast No Comments

In my last article, I described the need for focused learning. It was the kick-off to a series I'm called The Concentration Code. This week, I explore how we can design systems and structures that support sustained, focused work and deeper learning. Listen to the…

Oct 30 2024

Why Focused Work Has Become an Essential Skill in a Distracted World

By John Spencer Depth Advantage, Mindsets, Podcast 4 Comments

It's no secret that students are distracted. When I conduct workshops and deliver keynotes, I like to ask teachers about their successes and their current challenges. Overwhelmingly, teachers describe the challenge of teaching to a distracted generation of students. I see a similar pattern when…

Oct 16 2024

The Five Biggest Pitfalls of Collaborative Grouping (And How to Avoid Them)

By John Spencer Creative Collaboration, Creativity, Podcast 7 Comments

We’ve all been there before. You’re working with a few other people and everything just seems to click. It might be on a ball field or court. Or it might be in a jam session or a rehearsal for live theater. If you’re lucky, it…

Oct 09 2024

How do you come up with great project ideas? (Four Starting Places)

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Project-Based Learning One Comment

I love to come up with project ideas. The brainstorming process feels a bit like going to a candy store, where I get to peruse past experiences, seek out new interests, find materials, and feel inspired by whatever pops up. Or better yet, it's more…

Oct 02 2024

Making the Most of Community Partnerships in PBL

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Project-Based Learning No Comments

In PBL, we often think about the role of a public product. However, community involvement is actually something we can embed into every area of the PBL process. In this week's article and podcast, we take a deep dive into how we can make this…

Sep 25 2024

AI Won’t Replace Teachers But It Will Transform Nearly Every Aspect of the Job

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Podcast One Comment

Note that this isn't simply the question, "How will AI change teaching in the future?" This starts with the question, "How is AI already changing the teaching profession?" Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to listen to it on…

Sep 09 2024

Seven Questions to Ask Before Having Students Use AI Tools

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Podcast 4 Comments

Artificial Intelligence can feel overwhelming. With so many tools and strategies, you might be wondering where to start or what to do. But I actually think that before we integrate AI into our lessons with students, we should ask some critical questions that will guide…