The Creative Classroom with John Spencer

John Spencer

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.

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English

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Tuesday · length unknown
How Quantity Can Improve the Quality of Project-Based Learning
We often assume that improving the quality of student work means slowing down and spending more time on a single project. But sometimes the opposite is true. Creating more can actually help students create better. In my latest article and podcast episode, I explore how... The post How Quantity Can Improve the Quality of Project-Based Learning appeared first on Spencer Education.
September 23 · length unknown
Why Constraints Make Us More Creative
We often assume that creativity requires freedom. Remove the rules, open up the possibilities, and let students run with their ideas. But sometimes the opposite is true. The right constraints can give us a starting point, push us beyond the obvious, and lead to possibilities... The post Why Constraints Make Us More Creative appeared first on Spencer Education.
September 15 · length unknown
5 Myths About Creativity
Sometimes our biggest creative failures reveal what we actually believe about creativity. In fifth grade, a disastrous California Mission project forced me to rethink what it meant to be “creative.” Years later, I can see how many of my assumptions were actually common cultural myths:... The post 5 Myths About Creativity appeared first on Spencer Education.
September 10 · length unknown
The Power of Routine Creativity
We often picture creativity as something big and bold. It’s the ambitious project that draws in the entire community. It’s the big project that kids remember years later. But creativity doesn’t have to be an event. In fact, some of the most powerful creative thinking... The post The Power of Routine Creativity appeared first on Spencer Education.
July 30 · length unknown
Beyond Screen Time: The Low Tech Learning Matrix
For years, the conversation around educational technology centered on one question: How can we get more technology into classrooms? Today, we’re facing a different challenge. It’s time to move beyond debates about screen time and start thinking more intentionally about when technology leads to deeper... The post Beyond Screen Time: The Low Tech Learning Matrix appeared first on Spencer Education.
July 14 · length unknown
The Power of Low-Tech Games and Simulations in the Classroom
When people hear the term game-based learning, they often picture students staring at computer screens while navigating elaborate virtual worlds. Or perhaps a lone student staring into a VR headset in isolation. Those experiences certainly have their place (at times). However, some of the most... The post The Power of Low-Tech Games and Simulations in the Classroom appeared first on Spencer Education.
July 7 · length unknown
The Best Makerspace Might Be Outside
We want students to be makers and designers. But there’s a surprising source of inspiration for design: the natural world. As we think about moving toward a low-tech approach, we need something better than desks in rows with students doing worksheets. Listen to the Podcast... The post The Best Makerspace Might Be Outside appeared first on Spencer Education.
July 1 · length unknown
Beyond Screen Time: What LAUSD’s New Policy Gets Right and Wrong
The Los Angeles Unified School District has adopted one of the nation’s most restrictive classroom screen time policies. It will dramatically limit technology use across grade levels. Much of the reporting has focused on “banning devices,” but as I examined the actual policy, I noticed... The post Beyond Screen Time: What LAUSD’s New Policy Gets Right and Wrong appeared first on Spencer Education.
June 25 · length unknown
When Personalized Learning Works Better Than Adaptive Learning
Personalized learning has become one of the biggest promises in educational technology, with adaptive learning platforms and AI tutors claiming to tailor instruction to every student. But genuine personalization has to begin with the person. We lose something wen we center it on the algorithm... The post When Personalized Learning Works Better Than Adaptive Learning appeared first on Spencer Education.
June 18 · length unknown
What the Revival of Barnes and Noble Can Teach Us about Gen Z and Technology
For years, educational technology has promised to make learning faster, more personalized, and more efficient. On some respect, it has delivered on those promises. But as concerns about screen time and student engagement continue to grow, more educators are rediscovering the value of low-tech learning.... The post What the Revival of Barnes and Noble Can Teach Us about Gen Z and Technology appeared first on Spencer Education.
June 11 · length unknown
Embracing the Low Tech Revolution
This is the first in my summer series I’m calling Low Tech Learning. In today’s podcast and article, I explore the negative aspects of a tech-centric environment and the movement toward going low tech. I also want to provide some nuance and balance to set... The post Embracing the Low Tech Revolution appeared first on Spencer Education.

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