Blog - Page 5 of 49 - Spencer Education

Feb 03 2025

Avoiding the Astrodome Effect with AI

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Podcast, Vintage Innovation No Comments

Artificial Intelligence has some very real promise. But in this week's article and podcast, we explore the danger of the Astrodome Effect and focus, instead, on a blended approach to AI integration. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to…

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…

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 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…