The Creative Classroom with John Spencer

John Spencer

I want to see teachers can transform classrooms into spaces of imagination and wonder. So, here's where I explore what it means to make this a reality.

  • How to Prevent AI from Doing All the Thinking

    Cognitive atrophy happens any time we lose the ability to engage in a mental process due to inactivity. In a world of Artificial Intelligence, we need to be cognizant of the dangers of cognitive atrophy so that we can continue to engage in curiosity, creativity,...

    The post How to Prevent AI from Doing All the Thinking appeared first on John Spencer.

    16 April 2024, 1:27 am
  • Grace Hawthorne on How to Make Possibilities Happen

    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...

    The post Grace Hawthorne on How to Make Possibilities Happen appeared first on John Spencer.

    9 April 2024, 11:15 pm
  • Rethinking Information Literacy in an Age of AI

    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...

    The post Rethinking Information Literacy in an Age of AI appeared first on John Spencer.

    3 April 2024, 10:32 pm
  • Making Time for Project-Based Learning (PBL)

    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...

    The post Making Time for Project-Based Learning (PBL) appeared first on John Spencer.

    26 March 2024, 12:16 pm
  • What Are the Bay Leaves of Education?

    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...

    The post What Are the Bay Leaves of Education? appeared first on John Spencer.

    13 March 2024, 11:42 pm
  • Deliberate Practice or Deliberate Play?

    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,...

    The post Deliberate Practice or Deliberate Play? appeared first on John Spencer.

    20 February 2024, 12:14 am
  • When Should Students Use Artificial Intelligence? Seven Keys to Consider

    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...

    The post When Should Students Use Artificial Intelligence? Seven Keys to Consider appeared first on John Spencer.

    8 February 2024, 2:31 am
  • Understanding Neurodiversity: An Empowered View of Learning Differences

    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...

    The post Understanding Neurodiversity: An Empowered View of Learning Differences appeared first on John Spencer.

    30 January 2024, 12:25 am
  • Sam Marsden on the Value of Improv Games to Spark Creative Thinking

    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....

    The post Sam Marsden on the Value of Improv Games to Spark Creative Thinking appeared first on John Spencer.

    22 January 2024, 11:11 pm
  • Ian Clawson on the Power of Co-Creation and Creativity

    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...

    The post Ian Clawson on the Power of Co-Creation and Creativity appeared first on John Spencer.

    13 January 2024, 11:10 pm
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