Fueling Creativity in Education

The Value of Small Wins and the Progress Principle with Dr. Teresa Amabile (Part Two)

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Listen to Part One of the Double Expresso here!
In this exceptional double espresso of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett are joined by Dr. Teresa Amabile for part two of a discussion on creativity in education. The three explore the application of Dr. Amabile's Progress Principle, a concept that emphasizes how small wins drive motivation and creativity, even in classroom environments. Dr. Amabile shares insights from her research involving R&D teams at corporations, revealing how a positive inner work life, driven by progress in meaningful work, fosters creativity and productivity. The discussion expands into the significance of learning from setbacks and mistakes, a practice essential for both children and adults, and how celebrating failures can lead to further progress and creativity in education.
The episode also touches upon the intriguing topic of creativity in retirement, where Dr. Amabile shares findings from her recent research on life satisfaction of retirees, highlighting the importance of creative opportunities during the later years of one's career. Additionally, the episode addresses the potential impact of generative AI on creativity, sparking thoughts on its potential to support or hinder human creativity. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Amabile weaves personal stories and insights that add a warm, engaging touch to the academic discussion, offering listeners a fusion of inspiration and practical applications for fostering creativity in various stages of life and work.
The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work
Retiring: Creating a Life that Works for You
About Dr. Teresa Amabile:
Dr. Teresa Amabile is a world-renowned expert in creativity research, with 50 years of groundbreaking work in the field. She is the Edsel Bryant Ford Professor, Emerita, at Harvard Business School and originally trained as a chemist before earning her Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University. Her research has explored the intersection of creativity, motivation, and the work environment, shaping how we understand and foster innovation. Dr. Amabile is the author of several influential books, including Growing Up Creative, Creativity in Context, The Progress Principle, and most recently, Retiring: Creating a Life that Works for You, as well as over 100 research articles and scholarly chapters. Her work continues to inspire educators, leaders, and organizations to cultivate environments that nurture creativity and innovation.
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?
Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect!
Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education!
For more information on Creativity in Education, check out:
Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom
Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation in the Classroom with Dr. Teresa Amabile (Part One)

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Listen to Part Two of the Double Expresso here!
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett engage in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Teresa Amabile, a world-renowned expert in creativity research. Teresa shares fascinating insights from her impressive 50-year career, discussing her journey and the many chapters of her groundbreaking work. The conversation begins into her early interests in childhood creativity, sparked during her time in kindergarten, and how these experiences led her to study motivation and its effects on creativity. Teresa emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and reflects on how extrinsic factors can sometimes bolster creativity, sharing practical tips for teachers and administrators.
The episode also highlights Teresa's reflections on creativity within educational environments, stressing that creativity is not solely an individual trait but is significantly influenced by context. The discussion touches on her book "Creativity in Context" and explores how school environments can either nurture or stifle creative potential. Teresa advocates for a flexible, personalized approach to education, where students are encouraged to explore and play without the constraints of rigid, standardized assessments. Throughout the episode, Matthew and Cyndi explore these themes with Teresa, drawing valuable connections between research and practical application in educational settings.
Creativity in Context
About Dr. Teresa Amabile:
Dr. Teresa Amabile is a world-renowned expert in creativity research, with 50 years of groundbreaking work in the field. She is the Edsel Bryant Ford Professor, Emerita, at Harvard Business School and originally trained as a chemist before earning her Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University. Her research has explored the intersection of creativity, motivation, and the work environment, shaping how we understand and foster innovation. Dr. Amabile is the author of several influential books, including Growing Up Creative, Creativity in Context, The Progress Principle, and most recently, Retiring: Creating a Life that Works for You, as well as over 100 research articles and scholarly chapters. Her work continues to inspire educators, leaders, and organizations to cultivate environments that nurture creativity and innovation.
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?
Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect!
Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education!
For more information on Creativity in Education, check out:
Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom
Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education

The Five Ps of Technology and Learning with Dr. Leo Burd

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Can technology truly foster creativity and social change, or does it sometimes hinder the freedom to explore and express?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Cyndi Burnett and Matthew Worwood delve into the role of technology in creative education with guest Dr. Leo Burd from MIT's Media Lab. Leo discusses the concept of technology fluency as opposed to merely learning about technology itself, emphasizing its critical understanding and meaningful application in life. He shares his journey from Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he was inspired by stark social inequalities and sought to use technology as a tool for empowerment.
The conversation covers the challenges and successes of the Brazilian Creative Learning Network, where Scratch has been leveraged to promote creative learning rather than just technological skill. Additionally, Leo shares his insights into the four Ps of creative learning: Projects, Passion, Peers, and Play, with an added P of Purpose from Brazil's experience. Engage with this thought-provoking discussion that questions how technology, especially generative AI, can be integrated meaningfully into educational experiences without overshadowing the objective of learning.
Noteworthy Mentions:
Technology Fluency vs. Literacy: Understanding technology's impact and using it meaningfully.
Brazilian Creative Learning Network: Using Scratch to foster creative learning in Brazil.
Five Ps of Creative Learning:
Projects: Learning through creating tangible outcomes.
Passion: Engaging with personally meaningful projects.
Peers: Collaborative environments promoting idea exchange.
Play: Encouraging playful, exploratory use of materials.
Purpose: Connecting learning with community and societal context.
Generative AI in Education: Challenges and potential as a tool for enhancing creative learning.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Leo Burd is a researcher at MIT's Media Lab, focusing on designing technologies that empower marginalized communities. With a background in computer science and a passion for civic engagement, Leo has spearheaded numerous initiatives that harness digital tools for social impact. His work in participatory design, education, and grassroots innovation is shaping a future where technology serves as a force for equity and empowerment. Raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Leo's journey into technology's transformative power began amidst societal inequalities, driving his dedication to fostering a more inclusive digital age.
 
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?
Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect!
Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education!
For more information on Creativity in Education, check out:
Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom
Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education

Nature Knows Best: Teaching Creativity Through Biomimicry with Billy Almon

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How can observing a simple creature lead to groundbreaking innovations in education and technology?
In this engaging episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, co-hosts Matthew Worwood and Cyndi Burnett dive into a compelling conversation with Billy Almon, an astrobiofuturist and expert in biomimicry. Billy shares his unique journey from a disruptive "D student" to a creative leader in STEM education, highlighting how curiosity and non-traditional thinking can transform learning experiences. He discusses the power of biomimicry—drawing inspiration from nature to solve human challenges—by detailing how educators can leverage natural observations to encourage creativity and innovation in students. Billy also introduces his Dream and Adapt framework, emphasizing the potential to achieve big dreams by recognizing possibilities within our current realities. Throughout the episode, Billy's vibrant anecdotes and passion for mixing science with creativity shine, inspiring educators to see the natural world as a vast library of solutions waiting to be discovered.
Noteworthy Mentions:
Billy Almon's backstory as a "D student" with a creative edge.
The concept of biomimicry: Imitating nature to solve human problems.
How educators can use natural observations to spark student curiosity.
The Dream and Adapt framework for recognizing potential in existing realities.
Personal story of learning from an otter's scat as a creative learning moment.
Encouragement to incorporate more nature-based observations in classrooms.
 
About Billy Almon
Billy Almon is an astrobiofuturist and a leader in the field of biomimicry, design, and storytelling. With a background as a former creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering, Billy has a rich history of applying creative and natural insights to education and innovation. He is also the co-host of "Little Giants" on Animal Planet and Discovery Plus. Through his work, Billy empowers educators and students to reimagine learning via creativity, curiosity, and world-building, aiming to inspire the next generation to tackle real-world challenges with bold and big ideas.
 
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?
Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect!
Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education!
For more information on Creativity in Education, check out:
Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom
Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education

DEBRIEF 10(3): Opportunities, Metacognition, and the Importance of Sleep

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In this mid-season debrief episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood reflect on the past three interviews that brought a diverse set of perspectives on fostering creativity within educational spaces. They revisit key moments with Jamie Celia Tosi from the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Jaap Haartsen—the inventor of Bluetooth, Dr. Jo Boaler from Stanford University, and Buffalo public school teacher Jonathan Guerra. The hosts discuss topics ranging from the fusion of creativity skills with domain expertise, the importance of providing students real opportunities to invent and problem-solve, and the practicalities of applying creativity in both large and small classroom moments. They emphasize that creativity training should go hand-in-hand with meaningful experiences, and introduce actionable ideas for educators aiming to incorporate creative learning into everyday teaching.
The conversation also delves deep into the role of metacognition, as highlighted by Dr. Boaler, and why teaching students to think about their thinking is crucial—particularly in an age of rapid technological change and the rise of generative AI. Cyndi and Matthew further explore issues of student well-being, such as the impact of sleep and trauma on learning and creativity, and the essential need for psychological safety in the classroom. Through anecdotes and research connections, they underline the importance of mentorship and personalized support, making a strong case for educators to recognize contextual factors that affect a student’s readiness to engage creatively. With season ten halfway through, the hosts tease upcoming initiatives and encourage feedback as they continue building a community committed to enriching educational practice through creativity.
 
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?
Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect!
Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education!
For more information on Creativity in Education, check out:
Matt's Website: Worwood Classroom
Cyndi's Website: Creativity and Education

Why Relationships Matter Most: Creativity and Student Readiness with Jonathan Garra

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How does the focus on relationships and trauma-informed care revolutionize the approach to creativity in education?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood are joined by educator Jonathan Garra to explore the crucial role of relationships, trauma-informed teaching, and student readiness in fostering creativity. Jonathan shares his insights from 17 years of teaching experience spanning both independent and public schools. The discussion explores the foundational importance of relationships in education and how recognizing students as whole individuals can empower them to become confident learners and creative thinkers.
Jonathan emphasizes the importance of creating a positive classroom climate, where simple actions like greeting students and learning their names can have a significant impact. The conversation also touches on the challenges of integrating creativity into the curriculum in diverse educational settings and the pivotal role of sleep in student readiness. As they navigate these educational landscapes, the hosts and guest reflect on how creativity can serve as a powerful tool for healing and empowerment.
 
About Jonathan Garra:
Jonathan Garra brings 17 years of teaching experience, spanning independent and urban public schools, along with eight years of experience mentoring incoming freshmen at SUNY Buffalo State University in the Educational Opportunity Program. His commitment to student success is rooted in a passion for fostering confidence and creativity, particularly for those overcoming socioeconomic challenges, through dynamic and engaging instruction.
 
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect!Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education!For more information on Creativity in Education, check out:Matt's Website: Worwood ClassroomCyndi's Website: Creativity and Education

Thinking Critically and Creatively in Math with Dr. Jo Boaler

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Can math truly be a canvas for creativity in the educational landscape, reshaping mindsets and unlocking diverse potentials?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Jo Boaler delves into transforming the way we perceive and teach math, advocating for a more creative, equitable, and connected approach. Dr. Boaler, a professor at Stanford, emphasizes the importance of moving beyond traditional methods that focus solely on numerical calculation towards fostering a more holistic understanding of math's visual and interdisciplinary nature. She highlights the significant barriers of current math education systems, which often stifle diversity in STEM fields.
By introducing big ideas and encouraging visual and creative problem-solving, Dr. Boaler argues for a learning process where students actively engage, reflect, and grow through struggle. This approach not only boosts math achievement but also reflects positively on other academic areas. The discussion touches on practical classroom strategies, the importance of struggle in learning, and broader implications for educational diversity.
About Dr. Jo Boaler:
Dr. Jo Boaler is a Professor of Education at Stanford University and previously held the title of Marie Curie Professor of Mathematics Education in England. With a career that began in teaching mathematics in London, Dr. Boaler has become an influential figure in math education, authoring 19 books and numerous articles. Her innovative work has been recognized by the BBC as one of eight educators transforming education and by delivering presentations at the White House on Women and Girls in Education. She actively engages in projects aimed at reshaping math education, notably co-founding the You Cubed platform and contributing as a writer to the California Mathematics Framework.
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect!Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education!For more information on Creativity in Education, check out:Matt's Website: Worwood ClassroomCyndi's Website: Creativity and Education

Innovation in the Classroom with Jaap Haartsen and Jayme Cellitioci

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Listen to Part One of this Double Expresso here!
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood continue their dynamic conversation with their guests, Jaap Haartsen, known for his pioneering development of Bluetooth technology, and Jayme Cellitoci, the Senior Director of Education for the National Inventors Hall of Fame. The discussion delves into the implications of technology in society, highlighting the ethical considerations and unintended consequences that accompany technological advancements. Jaap shares his insights on the dual nature of innovations, emphasizing the importance of educating people to use technology responsibly, while Jayme discusses the importance of invention education and the role of creativity in problem-solving and innovation.
As the conversation unfolds, the guests share personal anecdotes that illustrate the positive impact of hands-on learning experiences and the exploration of technology with young learners. Jayme narrates a touching story about a child creatively repurposing a camp invention project to aid his family during a storm-induced blackout, underscoring the practical and empowering nature of creative education. The episode closes with both guests sharing their most memorable creative educational experiences, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to enrich and inspire educators, students, and innovators to harness creativity for positive change.
 
Guest Bios:
Jaap Haartsen: A pivotal figure in the development of Bluetooth technology, Jaap offers invaluable insights into the ethical considerations and responsibilities inventors face in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. His reflections highlight the importance of educating future innovators on the potential repercussions of their creations.
Jayme Cellitoci: As the Senior Director of Education for the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Jayme passionately discusses the role invention education plays in fostering creativity and ethical decision-making in young learners. Her work focuses on empowering students to see everyday materials as potential innovations and to question the ethical dimensions of their creative endeavors.
 
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and join their Creativity Network for Educators at Curiosity2Connect!Check out our Podcast Website to dive deeper into Creativity in Education!For more information on Creativity in Education, check out:Matt's Website: Worwood ClassroomCyndi's Website: Creativity and Education