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  • 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.comSubscribe to our monthly newsletter!

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  • 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.comSubscribe 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.comWhat 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.comWhat 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 [email protected]

    Check out our website at fuelingcreativitypodcast.com

    Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat 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.comWhat 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.comWhat 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.comWhat 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.comWhat 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.comWhat 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.comWhat 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!

  • What are some quick and easy activities that could help you bring creativity into your life?

    In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett are joined by guests Josh Seidenfeld and Mark Lion in a special discussion centered on overcoming creative blocks and integrating playful, creative practices into education. Josh and Mark, founders of the Messier platform, share their journey of creating a space for consistent creative practice and how they collaborated with creativity scholars like Dr. James Kaufman to develop their innovative app. The conversation delves into the significance of retaining a sense of play and the necessity of looking at creativity beyond traditional arts. A unique exercise, coming up with excuses for not attending a friend's wedding, serves as a practical and amusing demonstration of divergent thinking. The episode also highlights the importance of facilitating fun experiences in educational settings and the role of skills such as shifting perspectives and staying curious.

    Listeners are introduced to various creative exercises, including taking pictures from different perspectives, creating thematic playlists, and writing poems from unique viewpoints, illustrating practical ways to foster creativity in classrooms. Mark emphasizes that even five-minute creative activities can prompt deeper creative exploration, and Josh underscores the value of incremental creativity in our daily lives and the app's role in encouraging these moments. This final pre-summer episode encourages educators to use the discussed exercises and resources over the break to cultivate a lifelong commitment to creativity.

    Download the Messier App here for free!

    About Josh Seidenfeld and Mark Lion:

    Josh Seidenfeld and Mark Lion are founders of Messier, a platform to help people enjoy the benefits of a consistent creative practice. Messier advisors include some of the leaders in creativity psychology research, including James C. Kaufman, Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, and Roni Reiter-Palmon.

    Josh is a longtime creative person, having produced two albums with his band, Boy in the Bubble. Day jobs most recently included climate projects at Apple and Meta. He lives in Oakland with his wife and two daughters, whose creativity constantly inspires him.

    Mark founded and led Lion Interactive, a digital design agency in the San Francisco area, for 25 years. Clients have included McKinsey and the Asian Art Museum. Notable projects include design leadership in Texture, which was acquired by Apple and incorporated into Apple News. Mark (also) lives in Oakland with his wife and son, where their weekends are usually filled with maker projects.

    Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat 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 we teach more creatively and teach for creativity in higher education?

    In this special higher education episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett delve into the vital role of creativity in higher education with special guest Dr. John Cabra. They discuss the challenges faced in cultivating original ideas and creative thinking skills among students, highlighting the need to integrate creativity into curriculum and activities. They emphasize the transferability of creative thinking skills into various aspects of students' lives and stress the importance of infusing creativity into teaching and learning without adding extra time.

    Throughout the episode, examples are shared of successfully incorporating creativity skills into different classroom settings within higher education. They explore the impact of implementing creative thinking techniques, such as curiosity exercises and divergent thinking, to engage students in the learning process effectively.

    John Cabra, drawing from his experience teaching creativity in a business context, underscores the significance of interactive teaching methods in fostering creativity among students. They touch upon the interdisciplinary approach to creativity in education, encouraging contributions from various fields beyond just fine arts.

    John Cabra shares valuable tips for infusing creativity into the classroom, including encouraging students to take risks and employing mind maps to manage complex information. The episode also introduces Cyndi and John's new book, Infusing Creative Thinking into Higher Education, which underscores the need for instructors to integrate creative thinking skills into both themselves and their teaching methods.

    Order a copy of Infusing Creative Thinking into Higher Education here!

    About Dr. John Fitzergald Cabra:

    John is a Professor Emeritus at the State University of New York at Buffalo State University’s Center for Applied Imagination. He also served as a visiting professor at two universities in Colombia.

    Previously, John served as the Program Director for Buffalo State University’s Service-Learning and Civic Engagement program in Myanmar. He co-founded a nonprofit organization to support Myanmar’s education reform and assist teachers in hiding due to their involvement in the civil disobedience movement. His dedication extends to collaborating with Myanmar’s National Unity Government Ministry of Education to catalyze transformative changes in the country’s education system.

    Recognized as a Fulbright Scholar, John completed his Fulbright assignment at the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB) in Colombia. His influence was instrumental in reshaping UNAB’s organizational culture, leading to the university becoming the first creative campus in Latin America. This transformation helped to propel UNAB to claim the title of the most innovative university in Colombia in 2023. As a testament to his excellence in teaching, John received the State University of New York Chancellor’s and Buffalo State University President’s Awards.

    John also contributes his expertise as an innovation facilitator at Knowinnovation, a consulting firm that fosters interdisciplinary discussions among scientists and groundbreaking research. He has provided invaluable training and organizational development services to prominent organizations, including Fisher-Price Toys, American Airlines, Quaker Oats, the British Home Office, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Health, NASA, Harvard University, the National Oceanographic Laboratory System, the U.S. Embassy in Myanmar, the United States Department of Agriculture, Georgia Tech, and the University of Michigan.

    His academic journey includes earning a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the University of Manchester, England, and obtaining an M.S. in Creativity and Change Leadership from the State University of New York. John’s academic contributions are reflected in co-authored articles published in esteemed business, engineering, and innovation journals. He co-authored the book Organizational Creativity: A Practical Guide for Innovators and Entrepreneurs, a testament to his scholarly achievements.

    Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat 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 we build more interdisciplinary learning experiences for students?

    In the Season 8 finale of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood delve into a comprehensive debrief of the past season, celebrating the rich array of insights and interdisciplinary connections shared by their diverse guests. They explore key highlights, including discussions on building collaborative cultures with Kathleen Scott and Alyssa Matuchniak, unlocking educators' creative potential with Rosie Leonard-Kane and Alan Morgan, and the intersections of creativity and art visualization with Dr. Cheryle Yin Lo. The hosts reflect on notable themes such as the significance of recognizing that "everything is designed by someone," the importance of interdisciplinary work in education, and the fascinating debate on the semantics of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial mindsets.

    Learn more about Matt's Teacher Roundtable documentary and join us for the special Teacher Roundtable premier event here!

    Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat 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 Drs. Matthew Worwood and Cyndi Burnett delve into the transformative power of creativity in education with guests Rosie Leonard-Kane and Alan Morgan from the University College Dublin Innovation Academy. Rosie, a facilitation specialist, emphasizes the critical need for a shift towards a more creative educational approach, particularly in systems heavily focused on examinations. Alan, an entrepreneurial specialist and program director, discusses the vital role of developing educators' creative confidence and mindset. Together, they highlight the necessity of embracing and nurturing creativity to rekindle educators' passion for teaching.

    Throughout the episode, the conversation covers the challenges and potential solutions for integrating creativity into educational practices. The discussion includes the impact of the pandemic on educational creativity, the shift to online learning, and the opportunity it presents to expand program reach and incorporate experiential learning virtually. The hosts and guests also touch on the importance of developing an entrepreneurial mindset in teachers, employing design thinking, and fostering an environment of innovation and flexibility. Practical tips for educators on starting small with creativity in the classroom and fostering a culture of curiosity and collaboration are shared, making this a must-listen for educators looking to enhance their teaching approach and inspire their students.

    About our guests:

    Rosie Leonard-Kane

    Rosie started her career as a secondary level (high school) maths teacher. She worked in London’s most deprived areas where educational outcomes are still closely linked to socio-economic background. Amidst a culture of high-stakes exam pressure, Rosie found joy in finding creative ways to engage her students in learning and loving maths, and soon found herself sharing her approaches with other colleagues. This led to a move into teacher training and development where Rosie’s passion for supporting others to unleash their own creativity and innovation in their teaching grew. She now works as a Facilitation Specialist at the UCD Innovation Academy where she has, what she describes as, the ‘absolute privilege’ of working with Educators across all levels of education to develop creative confidence and adapt their approach to teaching and learning so that their students get the kind of education that they all deserve, not just focused on passing the test.

    Alan Morgan

    Alan Joined the UCD Innovation Academy in 2019 and he now holds positions as an Entrepreneurial Specialist, Facilitator and Programme Director for The Professional Diploma in Creativity & Innovation in Education (Educators Programme for short). Before joining the Academy, Alan held key positions at Kaplan Dublin Business School (DBS) including Course Director for Marketing and various lecturing roles in Marketing subjects. While working at DBS, Alan studied Entrepreneurial Education at The Innovation Academy - and this change his life..! It was at this time that he developed a passion for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in education. Winning two awards at DBS for ‘Above & Beyond’ in his work with students, Alan then moved on and joined the UCD Innovation Academy where he became Programme Director for the course that changed his life..! Alan has built and developed the Educators Programme, particularly through the Pandemic years, to it now being an internationally recognised programme for educators at all levels. Alan is currently in the final stages of a Doctorate of Education with The University of Wales Trinity Saint David – his research topic is centred around the Cultivation of an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Primary School in Ireland. Before his days working in education, Alan had a successful career as an International Retail Buyer.

    Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat 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!