Creativity Archives - Page 2 of 25

Apr 16 2025

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.…

Apr 08 2025

We Want Students to Be Creative, But How Do We Assess This?

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast 8 Comments

We know that creativity is vital for student learning. We also know that we tend to value the things we assess. However, when we assess creativity, we can unwittingly cause students to become risk-averse. So, how do we assess creativity in a way that encourages…

Apr 02 2025

Centaurs, Cyborgs, and Coffee-Bearded Logos – Seven Ways AI Is Changing Creativity

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Creativity, Podcast One Comment

About a week ago, ChatGPT rolled out a major update to its image generation and suddenly my feed was flooded with AI-generated images in the style of Studio Ghibli. While the results are impressive (yes, it finally gets hands and text right) but also pretty…

Mar 20 2025

Ten Traditional Teaching Practices that Still Belong in a PBL Unit

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

While it's easy to reject traditional teaching practices as "less authentic" in PBL, we explore why these ten strategies actually belong in PBL unit plans. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to listen to it on the go, just…

Mar 06 2025

Taking a Beta Approach to Teaching and Innovation

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Teacher Life 6 Comments

This week, we explore the concept of "teaching in beta"—a mindset that embraces imperfection and experimentation in the classroom. Learn how veteran teachers are innovating with new strategies, taking creative risks, and continually iterating on their lessons to foster resilience and growth in both students…

Mar 02 2025

Jed Dearybury on the power of play for all ages

Jed Dearybury on the Power of a Playful Mindset (Interview)

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast No Comments

In my latest podcast episode, I interview Jed Dearybury. He's a deep thinker and a creative spirit. As the co-author of The Playful Classroom, Jed advocates for integrating play into every aspect of school; from curriculum and instruction to assessment to the classroom culture to…

Feb 26 2025

The Six Biggest Mistakes I Made with Genius Hour (and How I Fixed Them)

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast 6 Comments

Student voice and choice can be challenging. There are so many variables at work and it’s okay if it doesn’t work perfectly. In this week’s article, I share my big mistakes I made with Genius Hour and how I changed things through multiple iterations. Listen…

Jan 30 2025

Seven Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Peer Feedback in the Classroom

By John Spencer Creativity, Empowering Students, Podcast 9 Comments

Years ago, as I shifted toward empowering students, I ask myself the question, "What am I doing for students that they could be doing for themselves?" One of the most glaring answers was assessment. So, I began to incorporate peer assessment and self-assessment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WxvVgXC_NY However,…

Jan 20 2025

Seven Ways to Maximize Time in Project-Based Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Project-Based Learning No Comments

Early on in my project-based learning journey, I attended a workshop where the facilitator shared a story of a semester-long high school entrepreneurship program he had led. I was intrigued by his story, his passion, and the impact that the way this project impacted his…

Jan 07 2025

The Human Advantage: Nine Skills We Can’t Afford to Lose in an AI-Powered World

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Creativity, Podcast No Comments

With AI becoming a helpful tool in education, it’s easy to see the benefits of quick access to information, personalized support, and the efficiency that technology can bring. However, as we embrace these tools, we also want to preserve and nurture the learning experiences that…

Dr. John Spencer

As a former middle school teacher and current full-time professor and best-selling author, I’m a big believer in empowering students (and teachers) through the power of creativity. Whether you sign up for one of my online courses, enroll in one of my cohorts or invite me to spend time with your staff, I promise you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and new ideas to transform your classroom.

Creativity

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

We Want Students to Be Creative, But How Do We Assess This?

Centaurs, Cyborgs, and Coffee-Bearded Logos – Seven Ways AI Is Changing Creativity

Ten Traditional Teaching Practices that Still Belong in a PBL Unit

Taking a Beta Approach to Teaching and Innovation

Jed Dearybury on the Power of a Playful Mindset (Interview)

The Six Biggest Mistakes I Made with Genius Hour (and How I Fixed Them)

Seven Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Peer Feedback in the Classroom

Seven Ways to Maximize Time in Project-Based Learning

The Human Advantage: Nine Skills We Can’t Afford to Lose in an AI-Powered World

Dr. John Spencer

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