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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 8, 2026 • 0sec
How to Be Proactive About Classroom Management in PBL
The post How to Be Proactive About Classroom Management in PBL appeared first on Spencer Education.
Apr 2, 2026 • 0sec
How to Design AI-Resistant Writing Before, During, and After the Writing Process
The post How to Design AI-Resistant Writing Before, During, and After the Writing Process appeared first on Spencer Education.
Mar 25, 2026 • 0sec
The Five Biggest Pitfalls of Collaborative Grouping (And How to Avoid Them)
The post The Five Biggest Pitfalls of Collaborative Grouping (And How to Avoid Them) appeared first on Spencer Education.
Mar 19, 2026 • 0sec
The Problem with “They Didn’t Teach Us That in School”
The post The Problem with “They Didn’t Teach Us That in School” appeared first on Spencer Education.
Feb 17, 2026 • 0sec
The Power of Silent Discussions for Deeper Collaboration
The post The Power of Silent Discussions for Deeper Collaboration appeared first on Spencer Education.
Feb 2, 2026 • 0sec
The Five Biggest Fears that Kept Me from Empowering Students
The post The Five Biggest Fears that Kept Me from Empowering Students appeared first on Spencer Education.
Jan 28, 2026 • 0sec
Susan M. Riley on the Power of Creativity in the Age of AI
In my latest episode, I talk to Susan M. Riley about what creativity looks like in a generative age. She talks about how it’s changing, why it’s important, and what creative thinking looks like in a K-12 classroom. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy...
The post Susan M. Riley on the Power of Creativity in the Age of AI appeared first on Spencer Education.
Jan 22, 2026 • 0sec
The Push and the Pull Needed to Help Students Focus
The conversation examines why focus is no longer automatic in a world of notifications and instant answers. It contrasts cultural assumptions about attention with scenes of students rehearsing deep, sustained work. Practical strategies are discussed for pushing away distractions through environment and rules, and for pulling students in with authentic, novel, curiosity-driven tasks.
Jan 13, 2026 • 0sec
The Human Advantage: Nine Skills We Can’t Afford to Lose in an AI-Powered World
A lively dive into how AI can help classrooms while preserving uniquely human skills. Short stories highlight productive struggle, slow learning, and the power of boredom for creativity. The importance of divergent thinking, developing a distinct voice, and real empathy for design gets attention. Wisdom, context, and sustained focus are framed as irreplaceable in an AI-rich world.
Jan 6, 2026 • 0sec
Brett Fischer on AI and Teacher Creativity
Brett Fischer, an ESL teacher and researcher with a PhD who studies learner autonomy and teacher creativity. He explores how AI can amplify teacher creativity, act as a thought partner, and free bandwidth for deeper work. Short practical shifts for classrooms and sustaining creative practice are highlighted in quick, actionable conversation.
