The Creative Classroom with John Spencer - podcast cover

The Creative Classroom with John Spencer

John Spencerspencereducation.com
John Spencer is passionate about seeing schools embrace creativity and design thinking. In this podcast, he explores the intersection of creative thinking and student learning.

Episodes

Ten Ways to Use AI for Deeper Learning and Mastery

We often hear about AI and student cheating. This is a valid concern. But I’d like to highlight ways that we can use AI for deeper mastery. In this post (and podcast), I explore how we can move beyond using AI for quick answers and... The post Ten Ways to Use AI for Deeper Learning and Mastery appeared first on John Spencer .

Mar 26, 2025Transcript available on Metacast

Ten Traditional Teaching Practices that Still Belong in a PBL Unit

While it’s easy to reject traditional teaching practices as “less authentic” in PBL, we explore why these ten strategies actually belong in PBL unit plans. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to listen to it on the go, just... The post Ten Traditional Teaching Practices that Still Belong in a PBL Unit appeared first on John Spencer .

Mar 20, 2025Transcript available on Metacast

Lynn Cashell on How She Integrated AI into Genius Hour

In this latest episode, Lynn Cashell shares how she integrated AI into her student Genius Hour projects. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to listen to it on the go, just click on the audio below or subscribe via iTunes/Apple... The post Lynn Cashell on How She Integrated AI into Genius Hour appeared first on John Spencer ....

Mar 13, 2025Transcript available on Metacast

Taking a Beta Approach to Teaching and Innovation

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... The post Taking a Beta Approach to Teaching and Innovation appeared first on John Spencer ....

Mar 06, 2025Transcript available on Metacast

Jed Dearybury on the Power of a Playful Mindset (Interview)

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... The post Jed Dearybury on the Power of a Playful Mindset (Interview) appeared first on John Spencer ....

Mar 03, 2025Transcript available on Metacast

The Six Biggest Mistakes I Made with Genius Hour (and How I Fixed Them)

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... The post The Six Biggest Mistakes I Made with Genius Hour (and How I Fixed Them) appeared first on John Spencer ....

Feb 26, 2025Transcript available on Metacast

A Continuum for Using AI in Schools

In my latest article and podcast, I share a continuum for how we can think about AI integration in our educational institutions. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to listen to it on the go, just click on the... The post A Continuum for Using AI in Schools appeared first on John Spencer .

Feb 13, 2025Transcript available on Metacast

Avoiding the Astrodome Effect with AI

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... The post Avoiding the Astrodome Effect with AI appeared first on John Spencer .

Feb 04, 2025Transcript available on Metacast

Seven Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Peer Feedback in the Classroom

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. Subscribe to... The post Seven Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Peer Feedback in the Classroom appeared first on John Spencer ....

Jan 30, 2025Transcript available on Metacast

The Human Advantage: Nine Skills We Can’t Afford to Lose in an AI-Powered World

With AI becoming a helpful tool in education, it’s easy to see the benefits of quick access to information, personalized support, and the efficiency that technology can bring. However, as we embrace these tools, we also want to preserve and nurture the learning experiences that... The post The Human Advantage: Nine Skills We Can’t Afford to Lose in an AI-Powered World appeared first on John Spencer ....

Jan 07, 2025Transcript available on Metacast

Designing PBL to Decrease Cognitive Load

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... The post Designing PBL to Decrease Cognitive Load appeared first on John Spencer .

Dec 04, 2024Transcript available on Metacast

From Scrolling to Solving – Why Deeper Learning is Vital in a Distracted World

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... The post From Scrolling to Solving – Why Deeper Learning is Vital in a Distracted World appeared first on John Spencer ....

Nov 20, 2024Transcript available on Metacast

Designing Systems that Reduce Distractions and Improve Focused Learning

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... The post Designing Systems that Reduce Distractions and Improve Focused Learning appeared first on John Spencer ....

Nov 14, 2024Transcript available on Metacast

Why Focused Work Has Become an Essential Skill in a Distracted World

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... The post Why Focused Work Has Become an Essential Skill in a Distracted World appeared first on John Spencer ....

Oct 30, 2024Transcript available on Metacast