Creativity Archives - Page 4 of 26

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 8 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 02 2025

Embracing the New Year: Five Approaches to Goal-Setting and Growth in the Classroom

By John Spencer Creativity 10 Comments

The start of the new year is a great opportunity to reflect on your goals, set new goals, and focus on building momentum moving forward. Some people love the notion of New Year's Resolutions and they use this time to set goals and design structured…

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…

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…