Fueling Creativity in Education

DEBRIEF 8.3: Theater Communities, AI Case Study, and Getting Curious About Students

Let's bridge the gap!
In this debrief episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood dissect their key takeaways from recent interviews with creative educators. The episode kicks off with reflections on a conversation with Dr. Jim DeVivo, a drama educator, and delves into the impact of theater and improvisation in the classroom. They discuss how theater provides a unique space for students who may not fit into the conventional social groups at school, such as sports or academics, allowing them to express themselves and flourish creatively. The pair also explore the conversation with Kristen Lehman, who introduced the concept of twice-exceptional learners and mathematical artistry. She emphasized the importance of fostering curiosity toward students' unique perspectives, which often leads to a deeper understanding of content.
The episode continues with insights from their discussion with Fuat Ramazanov, a university educator who has been integrating chat GPT-3 into his classroom. Burnett and Worwood ponder the implications of AI in creative education and how it can serve as an aid in brainstorming and idea generation, despite its limitations in judgment and evaluation. 
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!

Best Practices for Experimenting with Generative AI in the classroom with Fuat Ramazanov

What are the potential risks and benefits of allowing students to use tools like chat GPT for their assignments?
 
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Fuat Ramazanov joins us to discuss the intricate balance between human creativity and artificial intelligence (AI) in the modern classroom.  Fuat advocates for the pivotal role of teaching students to value and understand human creativity as a foundation before exploring the realm of AI-generated creativity. He brings an innovative concept that reimagines education through three lenses: teaching for AI, about AI, and with AI, professing that both creativity and AI are pivotal skills for the 21st-century knowledge economy. Fuat shares his teaching methodology, incorporating generative AI into the curriculum as a co-creative brainstorming tool. By encouraging students to create AI Personas and develop informed prompts, Fuat initiates open dialogues and brainstorming endeavors, which serve as the cornerstone of his pedagogical approach.
About Fuat Ramazanov:
Fuat is the director of the International Business Management Program at the Acsenda School of Management, a private post-secondary institution in Vancouver, Canada. He is an advocate of experiential learning and teaching for and about creativity. As an adult educator, he is passionate about using innovative approaches to teaching that stimulate engagement and learning and boost confidence and creativity in his students. He is a doctoral student at the University of Calgary, with research focused on exploring undergraduate students’ perceptions of the intersection between human and artificial creativity throughout the creative process. Fuat believes that when we talk about artificial intelligence, we should discuss how to use it for creativity along with ethical and other aspects. This is because the output produced with the help of artificial intelligence is co-created. Fuat believes that much like fostering creativity in education, where there is teaching with creativity, for creativity, and about creativity, there should be teaching for AI, with AI, and about AI.
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!

Exploring Twice Exceptional Students and Mathematical Artistry with Kristin Lehman

In what ways can creativity be infused into mathematics education, especially for students who may not naturally gravitate toward math?
 
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, host Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett speak with Kristin Lehman, Director of Educational Services at Hewitt Learning. Kristin discusses the concept of twice-exceptional learners, shedding light on the unique challenges and attributes of such students. She shares insights into identifying and supporting these students, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing their creative potential to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive academically.
The conversation also delves into the concept of "mathematical artistry," sparked by Kristin's exploration of combining math and art. She highlights the potential for integrating math concepts into creative activities to engage students in a hands-on and tangible way, promoting understanding and appreciation for mathematical principles. Kristin also provides valuable tips for educators, emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity across various disciplines, encouraging curiosity, and embracing interdisciplinary learning. The episode offers practical insights for educators and parents looking to infuse creativity into teaching and learning to better support students with diverse learning needs.
About Kristin:
Kristin Layman, an eclectic learner with a rich background in mathematics education, currently serves as the Director of Educational Services at Hewitt Learning. In this role, she implements innovative strategies to enhance learning experiences for all students. With a master's in Math, Kristin's approach goes beyond conventional teaching methods, embracing creativity, innovation, and the interdisciplinary concepts. As a co-founder of the Independent Innovator Challenge and a key contributor to the US National Innovator Challenge, she is committed to encouraging young minds towards innovative thinking. Additionally, Kristin's work as a SENGifted Model Parent Group facilitator reflects her dedication to supporting the holistic growth of Twice Exceptional children and their families. Her diverse interests and commitment to education highlight her role in shaping adaptive and inclusive learning environments.
 
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!
 
 

Theatre and Creativity: What's the Connection? with Dr. Jim Devivo

What is the connection between theatre and creativity?
In this dynamic and insightful episode of the "Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast," hosts Drs. Matthew Worwood and Cyndi Burnett welcome the award-winning expert in youth-driven theater, Dr. Jim Devivo. The trio dives deep into the transformative role of theater techniques in the classroom, discussing how these techniques not only help students become comfortable with public speaking and expression but also foster an environment where creativity flourishes. Jim shares the intriguing idea of the classroom as a theater, expanding on how storytelling and engaging students in physical space can create a conducive learning experience. Together they explore the significant impact of theater training on effective communication and why students, especially in their high school years, can benefit from acting classes.
Matthew recounts a compelling audition anecdote from his time at the Guild Hood School of Music and Drama, which sets the stage for a discussion on improvisation and its role in developing students' quick thinking and creative problem-solving abilities. Cyndi reflects on the difficulties of encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones and shares a heartening story of a reluctant participant’s transformation. Highlighting strategies to support shy students, Jim provides practical advice and emphasizes the creation of low-pressure participation opportunities. To conclude, the episode provides Jim Devivo's top three tips to promote creativity in the classroom, emphasizing the power of diverse perspectives, student involvement, and the magic of embracing silliness. 
About Dr. Jim Devivo:
 Dr. Jim DeVivo is a specialist in youth-driven theatre. He teaches middle school and high school theatre for Holmdel Township Schools and is an adjunct professor with the Program in Educational Theatre at NYU. For 15 years, Jim produced the New Jersey Young Playwrights Festival for which he received a NJ Governor’s Award for Arts Education and NJ Theatre Alliance Award of Excellence. He continues this work through an online platform called the Young Playwrights Guide. Jim has a B.F.A. in theatre and English and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Educational Theatre from New York University. He lives at the Jersey Shore with his wife, Bridget (also an award-winning theatre teacher), and together, they direct a troupe of three children and one pug… some of whom take direction well.
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!

SPECIAL EPISODE: Celebrating 3 Yrs of Fueling Creativity in Education

It's our three year anniversary!
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Ciyndi Burnett celebrate three years of producing the podcast. They take a break from their regular episode format to reflect on the impact of the last three years and the insights gained from their conversations with guests. Throughout the episode, they discuss the evolution of their thinking on creativity in education, share personal growth experiences from producing the podcast, and ponder future developments in the field.
The hosts delve into various topics, including the potential need for a revolution in education, the importance of modeling creative behavior in teaching, and the multifaceted nature of creativity. They also touch on the use of generative AI in podcast production and the possibility of expanding their audience globally. Listeners are encouraged to share their predictions for the future of creativity in education and to reach out for potential guest appearances.
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!

DEBRIEF 8.2: Discussing Fun and Measuring Creative Potential

Let's bridge the gap!
In this debrief episode, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett discuss key takeaways from the past three episodes of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast. They reflect on insights from guests  Dr. Mike Rucker, Dr. Todd Lubart, and Shafina Vohra. The conversation delves into the potential impact of identifying creative potential in students at a young age and the implications it may have on their further development. The hosts also explore the idea of using unconventional materials, such as LEGO® or common household items, to engage students in learning, while also highlighting the importance of educators' love and passion for their work and the potential for ideas to have an impact beyond the classroom.
Listeners are given a glimpse into the hosts' upcoming appearances at the Learning and the Brain Conference in New York City and the Torrance Festival of Ideas Conference, where they will be sharing their expertise on 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!
 

LEGO® as a tool for Creativity with Shafina Vohra

How might you use LEGO® to help transform your teaching?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett are joined by the innovative A-level psychology teacher, Shafina Vohra, to explore the transformative power of creativity in the classroom. Vohra shares her personal journey into teaching, driven by passion following a life-altering car crash, and her subsequent development of a widely acclaimed LEGO® innovation program. This program serves not just as a teaching tool but as an inspiring catalyst for creativity across multiple subjects.
The episode dives deep into the myriad ways teachers can foster a creativity-rich environment, from leveraging LEGO® for teaching fractions in math to enhancing engagement in history lessons. Vohra emphasizes the critical balance between research and practice in education, advocating for teachers to take risks, collaborate outside their silos, and stay in tune with the latest educational research to inform and refine their teaching practices.
About Shafina Vohra:
Shafina Vohra is an A-level psychology teacher in London, where she teaches in an inner city college and is currently doing a PhD in Design Engineering at the Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College. Her focus is creativity in the curriculum, and to this end, she has designed and developed a LEGO® Innovation Programme that is student-led, comprising industry projects, teacher training, and play, with a focus on creating workshops for primary schools around solutions for real-world issues. This is now a flagship, free community programme, and the work that she has done earned her spot in the top 10 finalists for the 2023, for the Global Teacher Prize! 
 
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 Generative AI is changing divergent thinking in the Classroom with Dr. Todd Lobart

How might generative AI change the way we engage divergent thinking? 
In part two of this double expresso of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, Dr. Todd Lubart discusses the evolving landscape of creative potential and education. With insights drawn from his extensive research in creativity, Dr. Lubart delves into the changing nature of divergent thinking in the digital age. He examines the impact of generative AI on idea generation and the challenges it presents in selecting and developing the most promising ideas. Additionally, Dr. Lubart explores the future of creativity in education, shedding light on how integrating generative AI and virtual reality can provide tailored, immersive experiences that stimulate creativity.
Listeners gain access to valuable tips for educators, such as investing in creative challenges, enhancing the measurement of creative potential, and focusing on individual learner profiles. As Dr. Lubart emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches, he underscores the significance of educators designing activities that cater to the unique creative needs of their students. Whether you're a teacher looking to enrich the learning experience or an emerging scholar seeking to explore the intersection of creativity and education, this episode provides a compelling understanding of the changing dynamics of creativity in the classroom and beyond.
Learn more about the EPoC here.
About Dr. Todd Lubart:
Todd Lubart is a professor of psychology at University Paris Cité. Former director of an applied psychology research laboratory, coordinator of several grants and contracts, he has more than 200 publications in articles, books and psychological tests. His lines of research concern creative potential, creativity assessments, creativity development, environmental support for creativity, the impact of technology on creativity. Todd Lubart serves on the editorial board of several journals concerning creativity and innovation, received the Berlyne award from the American Psychological Association, the NAGC Torrance Award, and was a member of the Institut Universitaire de France. Todd Lubart is president of the non-profit ISSCI (the International Society for the Study of Creativity and Innovation, issci.online).
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!