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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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Jan 09 2024

7 Tips for Getting Started with Student Choice in the Classroom

By John Spencer Empowering Students, Podcast, Student Choice 6 Comments
Our students will inhabit an unpredictable world. With machine learning and other advanced forms of AI, students will need to become really good at what AI can't do and really different with what can do. They will need to be adaptable as they navigate the…
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Jan 05 2024

Betsy Potash Shares How to Use Hexagonal Thinking to Improve Discussions

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast One Comment
In this episode, Betsy Potash shares how to use hexagonal thinking to improve classroom discussions. She walks you through some of the potential applications at various grade levels with different subject areas. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to…
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Dec 14 2023

12 Ways to End the Semester on a Creative Note

By John Spencer Creativity One Comment
Let's just put it out there. December is exhausting for teachers. The days are shorter. The weather grows colder and (at least here in Oregon) wetter. Students are anxious -- whether it's a buzzing excitement for vacation or a sense of dread that some kids feel in…
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Dr. John Spencer

I’m a professor and a maker. Sometimes I make things. Sometimes I make a difference. On a good day, I get to do both.

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    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.

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