Are schools designed for learning? Or are schools designed for schooling? In our latest episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett dive into these questions as they debrief three compelling conversations from Season 9. Here's what you can expect: Will Richardson: They explore his thought-provoking ideas on whether our current education model needs an evolution or a revolution. Are schools designed for schooling rather than genuine learning? The hosts debate and reflect on what it means to truly engage students. Raya Bidshahri: They discuss the inspiring story of building a community-centered, project-based online high school. Raya shares her entrepreneurial journey and emphasizes the importance of tailoring education to individual passions and real-world issues. Dr. Marci Klein: They examine how a pediatrician-turned-entrepreneur integrates hands-on, creative learning through her company, 3DuxDesign. Dr. Klein challenges the hosts to reconsider the balance between traditional hands-on learning and the increasing reliance on technology in the classroom. Join Matt and Cyndi as they navigate these diverse yet interconnected perspectives! And let's continue the conversation about how we can best fuel creativity and learning in our schools on Linkedin!   Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org  What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

What are "irresistible futures" in education, and why are they important for motivating systemic change? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Warwood engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Will Richardson. They delve into how the transition from the third to the fourth industrial revolution is shaping education, emphasizing the need to anticipate and adapt to disruptive technologies like AI. Will reflects on the historical patterns of technological advancements leading to unintended consequences and critiques the current profit-driven focus of AI development. He underscores the significant gap in long-term strategic thinking in education compared to indigenous cultures that consider impacts on future generations. This conversation invites educators to reimagine education, highlighting the critical moment of transformation we are in and the potential to create "irresistible futures" by envisioning positive, aspirational changes. Additionally, they tackle various pressing issues like misinformation, disinformation, and the imperatives of engaging students in conversations about their educational experiences. They discuss the emergence of alternative educational models, such as micro-schools, that blend inquiry-based learning with real-world applications, contrasting them with traditional methods overly focused on test scores. Will advocates for a revolutionary change in education, shifting the focus from mere schooling to genuine learning.  About Will Richardson: A former public school educator of 22 years, Will has spent the last 18 years developing an international reputation as a leading thinker and writer about the intersection of social online learning networks, education, and systemic change. Most recently, Will is a co-founder of The Big Questions Institute which was created to help educators use "fearless inquiry" to make sense of this complex moment and an uncertain future. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

What would a personalized high school curriculum centered around global challenges look like? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett sit down with Raya Bidshahri, an accomplished entrepreneur and educator who is the founder and CEO of the School of Humanity. Raya sheds light on her frustration with traditional education systems and shares her innovative approach to personalized, project-based learning, which forms the backbone of her school. Unlike conventional methods reliant on standardized tests, the School of Humanity emphasizes low-stakes knowledge checks and project-based assessments, encouraging students to engage in interdisciplinary challenges such as food security and the future of the internet. Raya's passion for education reform, grounded in her own positive experiences with project-based learning and entrepreneurship, fuels her vision to create a more effective, curiosity-driven educational system. The episode dives deep into the implementation of challenge-based learning and how AI can play a constructive role in education, with Raya differentiating between its ethical uses and potential for misuse. A techno-optimist at heart, she discusses a structured AI policy that encourages AI for tasks like brainstorming while banning it from generating entire essays to avoid academic dishonesty. The conversation is enriched with insights on flexible learning environments, the importance of scaffolded assessments, and the Human Literacies Framework that integrates traditional and innovative skills. With around 60 students and plans to double enrollment, Raya's School of Humanity is a testament to her effective educational approach.    About Raya Bidshahri: Raya Bidshahri is a serial entrepreneur and award-winning educator. Raya is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the School of Humanity, an award-winning online high school with an innovative learning model and interdisciplinary curriculum. At School of Humanity, learners from over 10 countries across 5 continents develop their skills, mindsets, and behaviors by tackling real-world challenges. Raya has been featured by the BBC as one of the 100 most influential and inspiring women globally. She was the main award winner for the Next Generation Foresight Practioner’s Award, organized by the School of International Futures and supported by the Omidyar network. The awards recognize those whose leadership efforts shape the future and improve lives. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

How might a cardboard box help our students be more creative? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett sit down with Dr. Marci Klein, a pediatrician and founder of 3DuxDesign. Marci sheds light on the pervasive self-centered mindset in society and stresses the need to cultivate empathy and community, both in education and at home. As a champion of project-based learning, she delves into her innovative approach to integrating STEM education with social-emotional development. Marci's unique product—cardboard modeling kits with specially designed hardware connectors—illustrates how creativity and hands-on activities can powerfully engage children, fostering a spirit of collaboration and open-ended play.  Throughout the conversation, Marci and the hosts explore the broader implications of product design and the necessity of considering unintended consequences, referencing innovation diffusion theory. Klein advocates for creating learning experiences that are passion-driven and flexible, giving students the room to explore their interests. The episode calls on educators to rethink traditional methods, prioritize empathy, and foster environments where creativity can flourish. About Marci: Marci Klein, MD, is a pediatrician and founder of 3DuxDesign, a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) that creates innovative STEM education solutions. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood development and education, Dr. Klein integrates her expertise in pediatric growth and development to design engaging, hands-on learning projects that connect play with real-world problem-solving. Her work focuses on empowering educators to implement project-based learning (PBL) that supports academic growth and social-emotional development. Under her leadership, 3DuxDesign has expanded its reach globally, offering educators tools and resources that inspire the next generation of thinkers and changemakers. Dr. Klein is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and has presented at numerous educational conferences, sharing her insights on the intersection of STEM, SEL, and community-centered design. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org  What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

This is the first debrief episode of Season 9 of the "Fueling Creativity in Education” podcast! Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett dive into their key takeaways from the first three episodes of the season, featuring guests Dr. Ruth Richards, Ann Jacoby, and Neil Bergenroth. Topics range from normalizing feedback in the classroom to blending personal passions with teaching methods. The concept of everyday creativity, its role in fostering a meaningful and joyful educational experience, and the emotional resilience needed to navigate feedback are thoroughly explored. Wrapping up, Cyndi and Matthew reflect on the importance of finding micro-moments of joy and mindfulness in teaching, as well as the value of building authentic connections with students through passion-driven projects. Stay tuned for more enriching episodes and insightful debriefs, and be sure to check out additional content on their website, fuelingcreativitypodcast.com. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org  What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Cyndi Burnett and Matthew Worwood are joined by Neil Bergenroth, an innovative educator and coach passionate about integrating rowing and STEM education. Neil discusses how his programs leverage rowing machines funded by a grant to provide every student with the opportunity to experience and choose rowing as an elective. He shares his emphasis on authenticity, passion, and building confidence in students through the fusion of teaching and technology. Neil's initiative demonstrates a unique method of engaging students in physics principles by using real-time data from rowing machines, thereby creating tactile learning experiences that bridge physical activity and academic concepts. Neil highlights the importance of nutrition, sleep, and strong relationships for success in both sports and life, aligning these factors with the process of creativity and innovation. The episode concludes with valuable tips for educators on integrating passion, creating safe learning spaces, and bringing authenticity into their teaching practices.  About Neil Bergenroth Neil Bergenroth is a life-long educator/rowing coach, award-winning app developer, entrepreneur, and USRowing Level III rowing coach who values community service and developing innovative learning environments. Bergenroth is the Director of the Upper School Technology department and the Pauline McFarlin Walter Upper School Master Teacher Chair at Holland Hall, an Episcopal School in Tulsa, OK. Bergenroth also currently serves as Director of Outreach at Tulsa Youth Rowing Association. Bergenroth has combined his passions and created a curriculum integrating rowing and STEM. He also manages programs that have been established to provide more access to the sport of rowing in under-resourced communities. With over twenty-five years of classroom teaching and coaching experience, Bergenroth aspires to develop student-athletes who strive to impact their communities. Follow Neil: www.coachbergenroth.com Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org  What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Do you want to weave creativity into your content?  Check out CreativityandEducation.com Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

How might we provide feedback to build creative confidence in our students? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett dive into an engaging conversation with Anne Jacoby, founder of the culture consultancy Spring Street. The discussion centers on the importance of effective feedback in promoting creative thinking within the classroom environment. Anne elaborates on her unique approach to cultivating creativity in professional spaces through cultural assessments, leadership programs, and coaching. Anne shares her educational journey, reflecting on how her experiences in creative and arts-intensive environments, including the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, fostered her own creative confidence. She emphasizes the importance of providing students with specific, immediate feedback, drawing parallels between her experiences in the arts and her observations in the corporate world. The conversation highlights how environments that support creativity contribute to lifelong skills of accepting and utilizing constructive criticism. The speakers delve into the idea of "passing notes" as a method for providing effective feedback. They focus on creating a culture where feedback is integral to the learning process rather than a critiquing mechanism that induces defensiveness. Anne recounts how receiving notes in a public setting within theater and dance classes fosters a norm of continuous improvement and collaborative growth. lenges and benefits of this feedback method. Anne shares creativity boosters from her book "Born to Create" to provide listeners with actionable strategies. The hosts challenge each other with a playful activity using clay to create awards for their colleagues, demonstrating a practical way for educators to engage students in creative thinking. This episode provides insights into effective feedback and tangible methods for educators to incorporate creative thinking into their teaching practices. Check out Fueling Creativity in Education Website! Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org  What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Do you want to infuse creative thinking into your classroom? Check out CreativityandEducation.com Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

Have we lost our everyday creativity? In the latest episode of the "Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast," hosts Cyndi Burnett and Matthew Worwood engage in a thought-provoking conversation with esteemed guest Dr. Ruth Richards, an expert on everyday creativity. The trio delves into the concept of emergence, highlighting its unpredictable nature and its parallels to learning, growth, and societal development. Dr. Richards challenges the traditional reliance on IQ testing as the sole measure of creativity, referencing the historical context provided by psychologist Abraham Maslow and his collaboration with Thorndike on the idea of self-actualization. This conversation emphasizes the importance of nurturing individual strengths and interests to foster a more inclusive and creative educational environment. The episode also touches on practical ways to integrate creativity into the classroom. Dr. Richards suggests three actionable tips for educators: ask questions to provoke thought, explore the creativity inherent in nature, and cultivate a mindful state of creativity. These methods aim to encourage a new normal in education—one that embraces diversity, individuality, and dynamic change. Learn more about Ruth Richards here! Book: Everyday Creativity and the Healthy Mind Check out our Fueling Creativity in Education website! Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

What is everyday creativity, and how does it contribute to well-being and resilience in the classroom? Welcome to Season Nine of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast! In this Double Expresso of the "Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast," hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome educational psychologist and board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Ruth Richards to discuss the profound concept of everyday creativity. Dr. Richards, known for her extensive work in creativity studies and mental health, delves into how creativity manifests in daily life through various activities, from cooking to landscaping, and its critical role in promoting mental well-being. The conversation underscores the significance of mindfulness and authenticity in the classroom and explores practical ways that educators can integrate everyday creativity into their teaching practices. With examples of hands-on discovery lessons and personal anecdotes, the hosts and Dr. Richards emphasize the joy and engagement students experience when they are allowed to explore and create, highlighting the delicate balance between structured curriculum and creative freedom. Additionally, the episode tackles the challenges educators face in fostering creativity within the constraints of traditional education systems. Dr. Richards and the hosts discuss the potential healing aspects of creativity, especially in individuals with mental health issues, elucidating how everyday creativity can serve as a therapeutic tool. The episode also touches on the role of teachers’ creative approaches and the importance of recognizing and valuing creative expressions in all forms. Sponsored by Curiosity to Create, this insightful discussion prompts educators to rethink their approach to teaching and consider the broader impacts of nurturing a creative mindset in their students. Be sure to tune in for a rich conversation and stay tuned for a special follow-up episode to further explore the dynamics of everyday creativity in educational settings. Learn more about Ruth Richards here! Book: Everyday Creativity and the Healthy Mind Have you seen our new website? Fuelingcreativitypodcast.com Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org  What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

Welcome back to another exciting academic year of the "Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast"! In this special episode, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett kick off Season 9 with new features designed to enrich the dialogue around creativity in education. This season, they introduce Emerging Scholar in Residence Jimmy Wilson, who's a doctoral student at the University of Connecticut. Jimmy brings invaluable insights into neurodiverse learners' creativity, aiming to provide both research-backed and practical strategies for educators. The team has also expanded their multi-platform presence, including debrief videos available on their YouTube channel, ensuring a richer, comprehensive engagement with the audience. This episode also revisits the recently concluded "Listen and Learn" series focused on classical creativity literature, encouraging listeners to explore these short, insightful episodes and participate in the ongoing interactive contest. Don't miss next week’s engaging episode with Dr. Ruth Richards, promising to deliver innovative exercises that intersect mental health and creativity for the classroom. Check out our website: FuelingCreativityPodcast.com Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

Teacher Roundtables: Teaching during the Pandemic" offers a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of six educators during the pandemic. In this episode Matt and Cyndi introduce a documentary film, titled Teaching During the Pandemic. The film unfolds through a roundtable discussion that facilitates personal anecdotes about the emotional and professional hurdles teachers faced as they worked to connect and engage with their students during the initial lockdown and the personal toll of navigating their health and well-being once schools returned the following year. The story showcases the remarkable ways teachers went above and beyond to support their students and the innovative strategies that emerged from the experience.

In this final episode of the 2024 Listen and Learn series, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood conclude their exploration of classic literature in the field of creativity. They discuss the importance of studying these foundational works to gain a historical perspective and bridge connections between research and creative teaching and learning environments.  Together, they dive into the Creative Studies Project, a research study conducted by Sid Parnes and Ruth Noller in 1972 at Buffalo State University. The project aimed to determine if the Osborn-Parnes Creative Problem Solving (CPS) process could be taught and its impact on creativity, academics, and life. The study involved 350 students divided into experimental and control groups, with notable figures such as J.P. Guilford, E. Paul Torrance, and Don MacKinnon serving on the research board. The results of the two-year Creative Studies Project showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in their ability to cope with real-life situations, produce and evaluate new ideas, and engage in productive, creative behavior. The findings also revealed that 90% of the students believed they would apply what they learned in the program to their future lives and found it valuable compared to other college courses. The hosts emphasize the importance of teaching creativity and its potential to foster psychological health and well-being. To conclude the episode, Cyndi Burnett leads an activity from the original Creative Studies Project curriculum, challenging listeners to generate impossible ideas for improving something and then modify them to make them work. The hosts encourage listeners to submit their solutions along with the final code word for the Listen-and-Learn series to questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com Check out our website at fuelingcreativitypodcast.com Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

Can we teach students to think creatively? In the latest episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett delve into the work of E. Paul Torrance,the father of creativity in education. This fourth installment of the Listen and Learn series continues the exploration of classic literature in the field of creativity, providing a historical perspective that bridges the gap between research and teaching practices. Beginning with Torrance's groundbreaking paper, "Can We Teach Children to Think Creatively?" published in 1972, Cyndi and Matthew discuss the evolution of creativity studies from Guilford's pioneering speech in 1950 to Torrance's influential theories and tests. Cyndi emphasizes Torrance's vulnerability and the qualitative evidence he presented, while Matthew shares his personal journey into creativity, inspired by Sir Ken Robinson and furthered through applying Torrance's principles in his own classroom. The episode also spotlights the variety of strategies and modalities Torrance examined for teaching creativity, from creative problem-solving to motivation and environmental factors. Cyndi reflects on her own transformative experience with Dr. Roger Firestein's course and the profound impact it had on her life. Meanwhile, Matthew recounts his early career challenges and eventual discovery of the importance of originality in student projects, leading to a dedicated focus on teaching creative thinking skills.  Check out our Fueling Creativity in Education Website!   Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

In this fourth episode of the Listen and Learn Classic Literature series for summer 2024, co-hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett delve into the enduring work of Donald MacKinnon and his seminal article, "Nature and Nurture of Creative Talent," published in 1962. This episode unpacks MacKinnon's findings on the characteristics that define creative individuals, highlighting the balance between intellectual mastery and non-intellectual traits, such as openness to emotions and diverse experiences. The discussion also brings forth the importance of identifying and nurturing creative potential, drawing parallels to the challenges and practices of contemporary education. Matthew and Cyndi reflect on MacKinnon's emphasis on supporting creativity beyond traditional intelligence measures and explore how these historical perspectives are still very much relevant in today's teaching and learning environments. Midway through the episode, the hosts share anecdotes and insights about the pressures of modern parenting and the importance of fostering an environment that encourages diverse experiences and interests. Bearing in mind MacKinnon's findings regarding the impact of varied life experiences on creative development, Matthew and Cyndi discuss practical ways educators and parents alike can support children's creative growth outside academic achievements. They wrap up by connecting these theories to real-life scenarios and current educational practices, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intricate dynamics of nurturing creativity in education.    Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

In the third episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast's summer 2024 Listen and Learn series, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett delve into Alex Osborn's seminal work, "Applied Imagination." They discuss how this classic book, authored by Osborn, an advertising executive turned creativity scholar, laid the groundwork for modern creative problem-solving techniques. The hosts elaborate on Osborn's systematic approach to harnessing creative imagination, highlighting well-known strategies such as brainstorming. They also delve into how brainstorming should be employed effectively within the classroom context, examining both historical and recent perspectives on its efficacy. Throughout the episode, Matthew and Cyndi dissect the various strategies Osborn proposed, including the well-known SCAMPER tool, which was also originally developed by Osborn. They discuss the evolution of these tools and methodologies in contemporary education settings, emphasizing the importance of adapting them to different classroom environments. Adding an interactive twist, they introduce a secret code game for listeners to engage with and reveal the latest letter in the code. Listeners are encouraged to visit Jimmy Wilson's commentary on their website for further insights into the discussed literature. The episode underscores that while these creative processes have evolved over time, many foundational elements remain relevant and influential in today's educational frameworks.   Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

What is your definition of creativity? In this second episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast Listen and Learn Series, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood dive into the profound work of Mel Rhodes with a focus on his influential 1961 article, "The Analysis of Creativity." The discussion elaborates on Rhodes' quest to define creativity, exploring how his attempt gave rise to the seminal framework known as the "Four P's" of creativity: Person, Process, Press, and Product. Cyndi and Matthew dissect each P, relating them to various thought-provoking episodes from their extensive podcast library. From the creative traits studied by researchers like James Kaufman to the deliberate acts of creativity discussed in the processes of design thinking and creative problem solving, this episode intricately weaves theoretical insights with practical applications in educational settings. Moreover, the hosts highlight the relevance of environmental and sociocultural factors (Press) and celebrate creative outcomes (Product) through memorable podcast episodes involving global issues and innovative projects. As a special treat, listeners are invited to participate in a fun-filled codebreaking challenge, with a chance to win a creative prize pack! With historical context and actionable insights, this episode serves as both a deep dive into creativity research and an inspiring call to action for educators striving to foster creativity in their classrooms. Mel Rhodes article.   Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

It's summer! Join hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett on this first episode of the Listen and Learn Series as they delve into the seminal work of Joy Paul Guilford, often regarded as one of the foundational figures in creativity research. Set against the backdrop of the 1950s, Guilford's influential address as head of the American Psychological Association called attention to the alarming neglect of creativity in psychological studies and education. This episode explores Guilford's differentiation between convergent and divergent thinking and discusses how his ideas laid the groundwork for the structured study of creativity.  Matthew and Cyndi also highlight the historical context, noting the United States' post-Sputnik focus on bolstering its educational systems to produce more creative scientists and engineers. They draw intriguing parallels between Guilford's observations about early "thinking machines" and today's discussions about generative AI and its impact on human cognition. Concluding with reflections on the cyclical challenges in education and a humorous take on the special code letter for this series, this episode offers listeners a concise yet rich exploration of creativity research's past and its implications for the future. Don't miss out on hearing about the Fueling Creativity in Education summer contest and how you could win a special Fueling Creativity in Education podcast prize pack! Find the original article "Creativity" by J.P. Guilford here.   Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

Welcome to the kickoff of our "Listen & Learn" summer series for 2024 on the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast! Hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood, Dr. Cyndi Burnett, and our newest addition, Scholar in Residence Jimmy Wilson, are here to bring you a unique blend of creativity research and practical classroom insights. With sunglasses on and excitement in the air, this introduction episode sets the stage for a six-week journey through classical literature of creativity, selected to enhance your professional learning. Cyndi and Matthew highlight the importance of making these episodes short and insightful—perfect for those of you enjoying a relaxing summer while staying committed to educational growth. Jimmy Wilson, a doctoral student from the University of Connecticut, joins the team as a scholar-in-residence to inject fresh, emerging perspectives into the conversation. Jimmy brings a wealth of experience from his years of teaching and a deep-rooted passion for neurodiverse learners in creativity and education. He shares his process of connecting scholarly research with practical classroom application, offering a sneak peek into his blog contributions on the podcast's website. The episode wraps up with a fun, interactive game where listeners collect letters at the end of each episode to form a secret code word, leading to fabulous prizes and the chance to join the podcast as a special guest. Don't miss out on this vibrant start to a summer of learning and creativity!

Let's wrap up this academic year! In this special episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr.Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett dive into an intriguing discussion inspired by the last nine months!  Exciting updates include the unveiling of their new website, FuelingCreativityPodcast.Com, which will house past episodes, debriefs, and upcoming enhancements like transcripts. In a forward-looking segment, they preview their "Listen and Learn" summer series, aimed at offering light professional development for educators during the break. Matthew and Cyndi also celebrate their favorite podcast moments, including insightful conversations with creativity experts. The episode features discussions on the successful merge of teacher creativity frameworks with existing assessment systems at the Teacher Innovation Studio, citing both challenges and remarkable growth. Cyndi reflects on her accomplishment of co-authoring the book "Infusing Creative Thinking in Education," while Matthew shares highlights from his teaching journey and work with teachers on creative frameworks. The hosts delve into the necessity of infusing creative thinking skills into higher education for better engagement and learning outcomes. They also explore the impact of AI technologies on education, forecasting more personalized learning tools and ethical implementation practices in the coming academic year. Finally, they emphasize the importance of real-world connections post-pandemic and share innovative strategies for integrating AI into creative classroom activities. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

In this special episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood, Dr. Cyndi Burnett, guests Dr. James Kaufman, and musical theater composer Dana Rowe delve deep into the intersection of theater, creativity, and education. Matthew opens up about his personal journey and how embracing his true self has enhanced his ability to foster creativity in others. Dana shares invaluable tips for educators to rekindle the spark of creativity within their classrooms, including creating a safe environment for emotional exploration and integrating musical theater exercises to help students experiment with various identities. The hosts also emphasize the collaborative essence of theater, exemplified by stories of on-stage mishaps and improvisational adaptability, which not only entertain but also underscore the importance of skills like active listening and quick thinking. James shares his wide-ranging insights on creativity, touching on how theater intersects with domains such as music, storytelling, science, and technology. Dana and James discuss their collaborative effort on a book that draws inspiration from musical theater characters. The hosts and guests share personal anecdotes about the profound impact of theater on their own lives, careers, and family experiences. This heartwarming episode fosters a deeper understanding of how creativity and collaboration in theater can enrich educational experiences, empowering educators to unlock their students' unique gifts and strengths. Lessons in Creativity from Musical Theatre Characters book Teacher Round Table Documentary  About Our Guests: Dr. James Kaufman is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut. He is one of the leading researchers in the field of creativity,  authoring, and editing over 50 books. He has published more than 300 papers, and three well-known theories of creativity, including the Four-C Model of Creativity.  He has co-authored several books for educators including Teaching for Creativity in the Common Core Classroom, Nurturing Creativity in the Classroom, and Being Creative Inside and Outside of the Classroom. Recently he published the book lessons in creativity from musical theatre characters with Dana Rowe.   Dana P. Rowe is a New York-based American composer and musical director whose works have been performed in NYC, the West End and around the world. His off-Broadway musical, Zombie Prom, has reached cult status and was filmed starring RuPaul and Katy Mixon. There have been more than 3,500 different productions around the world. Dana is also a certified professional development coach who specializes in working with creative professionals! Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.com What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education?  Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!