Creativity Archives - John Spencer

Dec 09 2024

Get the FREE Design a School on Mars Challenge!

By John Spencer Creativity No 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 Concentration Code, Creativity, 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 16 2024

The Five Biggest Pitfalls of Collaborative Grouping (And How to Avoid Them)

By John Spencer Creative Collaboration, Creativity, Podcast 6 Comments

We’ve all been there before. You’re working with a few other people and everything just seems to click. It might be on a ball field or court. Or it might be in a jam session or a rehearsal for live theater. If you’re lucky, it…

Oct 09 2024

How do you come up with great project ideas? (Four Starting Places)

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

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…

Jul 28 2024

7 Ways to Integrate Curiosity into the Classroom

By John Spencer Creativity, Empowering Students, Podcast 8 Comments

We often use the word AI to describe the newest generation of chatbots. However, computers can’t think. They process information. Humans think. Human cognition is affective and emotional. It's unpredictable and messy. It’s inherently social and relational. We use the term “intelligence” to describe A.I.…

Jul 16 2024

Sprints, Mini-Projects, and Project-Based Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast One Comment

This would be the year. I would be a fully project-based social studies teacher. After reading every PBL book I could read and attending PBL sessions at a few summer conferences, I had a vision for a new way of teaching my subject. My third…

Jun 24 2024

Creative Habits Versus Creative Momentum

By John Spencer Creativity, Creativity Deconstructed, Podcast 2 Comments

We often hear about the need to develop creative habits. However, habits alone can lead to stagnation. You end up flat lining. In this week's article and podcast, I share a different approach: creative momentum. The summer time can be a great chance to build…

Jun 18 2024

From Battlefields to Common Ground: Embracing Nuance, Paradox, and Empathy in Education

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Teacher Life 4 Comments

Something about the current educational climate has me feeling unsettled. Although I often write about PBL, educational technology, and student empowerment, I want to share something different this week. It's about paradox, nuance, empathy, and the danger in making things a "war" in education. Listen…

Jun 07 2024

Crystal Frommert on How to Connect with Parents and Families in a Positive Way

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast No Comments

In my latest podcast, I interview Crystal Frommert, who shares insights and strategies for building and maintaining a positive relationship with parents / parental figures. She has a wealth of experience and I'm excited to share this with you. Listen to the Podcast If you…