The Creative Classroom with John Spencer

Artificial Intelligence has some very real promise. But in this week’s article and podcast, we explore the danger of the Astrodome Effect and focus, instead, on a blended approach to AI integration. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to... The post Avoiding the Astrodome Effect with AI appeared first on John Spencer.

Years ago, as I shifted toward empowering students, I ask myself the question, “What am I doing for students that they could be doing for themselves?” One of the most glaring answers was assessment. So, I began to incorporate peer assessment and self-assessment. Subscribe to... The post Seven Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Peer Feedback in the Classroom appeared

With AI becoming a helpful tool in education, it’s easy to see the benefits of quick access to information, personalized support, and the efficiency that technology can bring. However, as we embrace these tools, we also want to preserve and nurture the learning experiences that... The post The Human Advantage: Nine Skills We Can’t Afford to Lose in an AI-Powered World appeared

In my last article, I described how deeper learning functions as a solution for distraction. But this week, I want to address one of the very real challenges of deeper learning systems, like project-based learning and inquiry-based learning. In particular, what about the problem with... The post Designing PBL to Decrease Cognitive Load appeared first on John Spencer.

It’s no secret that students are distracted. But what type of pedagogical approach can we take that helps students engage in sustained, focused learning that leads to endurance rather than distraction? In my latest article in the series The Concentration Code I shared an overview of... The post From Scrolling to Solving – Why Deeper Learning is Vital in a Distracted Wor

In my last article, I described the need for focused learning. It was the kick-off to a series I’m called The Concentration Code. This week, I explore how we can design systems and structures that support sustained, focused work and deeper learning. Listen to the... The post Designing Systems that Reduce Distractions and Improve Focused Learning appeared first on John Spencer

It’s no secret that students are distracted. When I conduct workshops and deliver keynotes, I like to ask teachers about their successes and their current challenges. Overwhelmingly, teachers describe the challenge of teaching to a distracted generation of students. I see a similar pattern when... The post Why Focused Work Has Become an Essential Skill in a Distracted World a

We’ve all been there before. You’re working with a few other people and everything just seems to click. It might be on a ball field or court. Or it might be in a jam session or a rehearsal for live theater. If you’re lucky, it... The post The Five Biggest Pitfalls of Collaborative Grouping (And How to Avoid Them) appeared first on John Spencer.

I love to come up with project ideas. The brainstorming process feels a bit like going to a candy store, where I get to peruse past experiences, seek out new interests, find materials, and feel inspired by whatever pops up. Or better yet, it’s more... The post How do you come up with great project ideas? (Four Starting Places) appeared first on John Spencer.

In PBL, we often think about the role of a public product. However, community involvement is actually something we can embed into every area of the PBL process. In this week’s article and podcast, we take a deep dive into how we can make this... The post Making the Most of Community Partnerships in PBL appeared first on John Spencer.