Blog - Page 7 of 48 - Spencer Education

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…

Apr 03 2024

Rethinking Information Literacy in an Age of AI

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Literacy, Podcast 2 Comments

Terms like "game-changing" and "disruptive" have become cliche in technology circles. As educators, we've seen the hype of 1:1 devices, paperless classrooms, interactive whiteboards, and a host of different education fads. However, AI feels different. We are living in a cultural moment where generative AI…

Mar 26 2024

Making Time for Project-Based Learning (PBL)

By John Spencer Podcast, Project-Based Learning One Comment

When I was in my second year of teacher, I wanted so badly to implement PBL. This, despite the fact that I didn't know the term "project-based learning." I simply knew that I wanted students to engage in meaningful projects where they learn the content…

Mar 13 2024

What Are the Bay Leaves of Education?

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast 4 Comments

A few years ago, I met a chef and asked him, "So, bay leaves? Do they even have a point? You can't taste them. You have to take them out. They seem to get in the way." He shook his head and said, "Nah, it's…

Feb 19 2024

Deliberate Practice or Deliberate Play?

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast One Comment

Deliberate practice and deliberate skill are two different approaches to developing skills. One is more structured and the other is more connective. One is more targeted and efficient while other other is more connective and holistic. While it's easy to view these as opposing approaches,…

Feb 13 2024

How to Guide Students in Self-Reflection During a Project

By John Spencer Project-Based Learning 2 Comments

I still remember the moment. I was in my second year of doing project-based learning when a student sighed and asked, "Why do we need to stop?" "What do you mean?" I asked. "The learning. The project. Everything. Why do we need stop everything and…

Feb 07 2024

When Should Students Use Artificial Intelligence? Seven Keys to Consider

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Podcast 2 Comments

The explosion of generative AI has created significant challenges and sparked new opportunities for our students. So, how do we decide when students should and should not use AI? In this article and podcast, I explore seven key areas you might consider as you craft…

Jan 29 2024

Understanding Neurodiversity: An Empowered View of Learning Differences

By John Spencer Creativity, Empowering Students, Podcast 4 Comments

In this article and podcast, we explore what it means to shift from a focus on learning disabilities to focusing on learning differences. What does it mean to embrace neurodiversity and help students find their hidden potential connected to their neurological diversity? How can we…

Jan 22 2024

Sam Marsden on the Value of Improv Games to Spark Creative Thinking

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast No Comments

In my latest podcast episode, I interview Samantha Marsden, who shares how drama and improve strategies can help students gain creative confidence, improve their communication skills, and engage in iterative thinking. Her new book Acting Games for Improv is out and I highly recommend it.…

Jan 13 2024

Ian Clawson on the Power of Co-Creation and Creativity

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast No Comments

In this week's podcast episode, I talk to Ian Clawson about creative collaboration. In this interview, I ask him about tools for co-creation and what it looks like to create a culture where people give one another vital creative feedback. He has a book he…