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In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cindy Burnett continue their Winter 2025 Listen and Learn Series by revisiting a compelling conversation with Dr. Marta Ockluy. Known for her groundbreaking work on redefining creativity, Dr. Ockluy shares a human-centered perspective on creativity and contrasts it with computational creativity, a timely topic in the age of generative AI.

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Key Discussion Questions for PLCs:

Resources Mentioned:

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In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett kick off their Winter 2025 Listen and Learn Series with a deep dive into the role of joy in creative teaching. Drawing inspiration from their interview with Dr. Susan Keller-Mathers, the conversation explores how teachers can rekindle joy, overcome burnout, and design flexible, engaging learning experiences for their students.

Episode Highlights:

Key Quote from Dr. Susan Keller-Mathers:

Discussion Questions for PLCs:

Join the Conversation:

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In this special New Year's episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett take a reflective look back on their goals and achievements from 2024 while setting new objectives for 2025. With an air of playful banter, they celebrate their successes, such as updating the podcast's cover art, launching a comprehensive website with organized collections of episodes, and reaching the milestone of 193 episodes with 100 guest appearances. They also delve into the partial completion of their anticipated book and their exciting foray into live episode recordings and professional presentations, emphasizing that goals sometimes require flexibility and adaptability.

As they turn their focus to 2025, Matthew and Cyndi articulate their ambitious plans, which include finishing their book manuscript and enhancing professional learning through the podcast. They introduce episodes highlighting key moments from seasons one and two, designed to support educators' professional development. The hosts also invite listeners to engage by filling out a quick survey to help shape the future content of the podcast, with opportunities to win books and prizes. Listeners are encouraged to form professional learning communities, either in person or through online platforms like LinkedIn, to foster a collaborative environment centered on creativity in education. Happy New Year from the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast team!

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How can brainwriting transform divergent thinking sessions?

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What is transformational creativity, and how does it apply to the field of education?

In the second part of the double expresso episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, world-renowned creativity scholar Dr. Robert Sternberg dives into the evolving perceptions and applications of creativity over his 50-year career.

Together, they engage in a critical discourse on how modern education and standardized testing fail to genuinely value creativity. Sternberg's insightful critique highlights the misuse of creativity for personal and financial gain rather than societal benefit, introducing the concept of "pseudo transformational creativity," where leadership appears transformational but serves self-interests. He emphasizes the importance of learning from history to recognize and combat deceptive leadership, advocating for "true transformational creativity" that positively impacts society. Additionally, Sternberg discusses the alarming decline in moral and civic education in favor of test preparation, arguing for a balanced, value-integrated approach to teaching creativity.

The episode also tackles the implications of generative AI on creativity and cognitive abilities. Sternberg shares his concerns that excessive reliance on AI could erode human creativity and critical thinking, mentioning real-world incidents where students depended on AI against academic integrity guidelines. Sternberg offers valuable tips for educators, including promoting moral values, varying teaching styles, and encouraging independent thinking.

About Dr. Robert Sternberg:

Dr. Robert J. Sternberg is a Professor of Psychology in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University and an Honorary Professor of Psychology at Heidelberg University, Germany.  Sternberg is a Past President of the American Psychological Association, the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences, the Eastern Psychological Association, and the International Association for Cognitive Education and Psychology. Dr. Sternberg holds 13 honorary doctorates from 11 countries and has won more than two dozen awards for his work. 

For a more extensive bio, click here.

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Are you ready for a double expresso with Dr. Robert Sternberg?

In the first expresso of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett speak with world-renowned psychologist Dr. Robert Sternberg to explore his research and theories on creativity. Sternberg delves into his pioneering work with the Rainbow Project at Yale, which demonstrated that adding creativity and practical intelligence tests to traditional analytical intelligence measures could better predict college success and reduce group differences. Despite successful results, Sternberg faced the challenge of sustaining funding when his findings contradicted the narrow focus of his sponsors, prompting him to shift to academic administration. He eventually implemented his ideas at Tufts University through the Kaleidoscope Project, emphasizing the importance of persistence, self-belief, and overcoming obstacles in the journey of creativity.

The episode also dives deep into Sternberg's theories on intelligence and creativity, including his definition of intelligence as adaptability and his "investment theory" of creativity. He underscores the need to defy societal pressures and personal biases to foster true innovation, sharing anecdotes from his own academic and professional experiences. Sternberg highlights the invaluable role of passion in learning, the benefits of a broad education, and the importance of balancing creative and practical intelligence. The conversation touches on the challenges educators face in engaging students and remaining open to new teaching methods, offering advice on overcoming institutional constraints. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Sternberg will discuss his latest theory on creativity and the future state of creativity in education.

About Dr. Robert Sternberg:

Dr. Robert J. Sternberg is a Professor of Psychology in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University and an Honorary Professor of Psychology at Heidelberg University, Germany.  Sternberg is a Past President of the American Psychological Association, the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences, the Eastern Psychological Association, and the International Association for Cognitive Education and Psychology. Dr. Sternberg holds 13 honorary doctorates from 11 countries and has won more than two dozen awards for his work. 

For a more extensive bio, click here.

Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?

Check out the new Fueling Creativity website!

Why does theatre education matter?

In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood engage with Dr. Thalia Goldstein to explore the enriching world of theater education. Dr. Goldstein begins with the concept of a "consequence-free environment" in theater classrooms, where playfulness and the freedom to make mistakes foster both intra- and interpersonal skills that students can carry into various areas of their lives. Highlighting her three-year qualitative research, Dr. Goldstein introduces listeners to the "Acting Habits of Mind," vital psychological skills cultivated through theater, such as body awareness, emotional regulation, releasing inhibitions, and developing empathy. Through anecdotes and practical tips, she emphasizes the importance of incorporating physical activity, role play, and constructive peer critique in classroom settings to boost engagement and metacognitive thinking.

Dr. Goldstein shares the adaptability of theater education across developmental stages, from creative play in young children to complex role exploration in high school, underscoring the necessity of informed guidance from teachers. This episode serves as a compelling testament to theater's expansive role in fostering lifelong creative and critical thinking abilities.

About Dr. Thalia Goldstein:

Dr. Thalia Goldstein is an associate professor and director of the applied developmental psychology program at George Mason University, where she directs the Play, Learning, Arts, and Youth Lab, and co-directs the Mason Arts Research Center (a National Endowment for the Arts Lab). She is the co-editor of the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts, and is a fellow of the American Psychological Association. Her research focuses on children’s and adolescent’s creative, social, and emotional development through engagement with pretend play and the arts. Goldstein’s academic work has been published in more than 75 articles, and funded by The National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and The John Templeton Foundation. She earned her BA from Cornell University, her MA and PhD from Boston College and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University. Her most recent book is “Why Theatre Education Matters: Understanding its Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Benefits”.

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A Special Thanksgiving Episode: Creativity, Community, and Gratitude

In this special Thanksgiving episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Cyndi Burnett and Matthew Worwood visit Dedham, Massachusetts, just outside Boston, to record live from the newly opened TLC Studios. TLC, short for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity, is the inspired creation of authors and educators Peter and Paul Reynolds, along with their sister Jane.

This episode is a celebration of creative learning, featuring guest Donna Luther, a Montessori school principal, and highlighting the exciting Big Noise Summit. Together, the group reflects on the importance of gathering in person to discuss how creative learning spaces can transform education. They emphasize the power of community and the innovative approaches that reimagine what classrooms can be.

Peter and Paul Reynolds share the vision behind TLC Studios: a vibrant, flexible space designed to spark collaboration and creativity. Unlike traditional classrooms, TLC Studios features modular, interactive areas filled with color and possibility. The conversation also highlights the crucial role parents play in fostering creativity and encourages educators to build strong connections with their communities.

The episode ends on a high note—literally—with a symbolic “big noise,” representing the collective energy and commitment to spreading creativity in education.

Full of heartfelt gratitude, this episode invites listeners to embrace creativity in their teaching and to cherish the community bonds that make education thrive. Tune in to be inspired to transform your own learning spaces!

TLC- Teaching, Learning and Creativity Studios

Our Guests:

Donna Luther:

An arts and creativity educator, Donna Luther is currently Head of Inly School, an all-gender independent, Montessori based day school in Massachusetts for students ages 2 – 14. She is a member of the Leadership Development faculty for the Creative Education Foundation, where she teaches Creativity in the 21st Century Classroom, Advanced Strategies for Educators, Facilitation through the Arts, and Integrating Creativity and Leadership to educators and business professionals worldwide. As an adjunct faculty member at Lesley University, she has taught in the national and international M.Ed. program for Creative Arts in Learning. She has presented at conferences throughout the United States and in Brazil, China, South Africa and Israel. Donna is founding director of Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts.

Peter H. Reynolds

Peter H. Reynolds is a renowned author, illustrator, and creativity advocate, celebrated for beloved books such as The Dot, Ish, Happy Dreamer, and The Word Collector. His collaborations include Someday with Alisan McGhee, the Judy Moody series with Megan McDonald, Going Places with his twin brother Paul, and the I AM series with Susan Verde.

As the founder of FableVision, a Boston-based children’s media company, Peter is dedicated to crafting "stories that matter, stories that move." Through FableVision Learning, he develops creativity tools that inspire educators and students to embrace imagination and innovation in the classroom.

Deeply committed to fostering community and creativity, Peter co-founded The Blue Bunny, an independent bookshop in Dedham Square, MA, alongside his twin brother, Paul. Through his work, Peter continues to empower people of all ages to find their voice, make their mark, and share their unique stories with the world. Learn more at www.bluebunnybooks.com.

Paul Reynolds:

Paul is the CEO and Co-Founder of Boston-based FableVision, which creates and distributes educational media, mobile games, and apps aimed at improving the world. Under his leadership, FableVision has become a multimillion-dollar, internationally recognized multimedia developer and publisher with partnerships across various industries, including broadcast, museums, education, and technology.

Paul also oversees FableVision Learning, the company's K12 edtech publishing group, and The Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning & Creativity. He has collaborated with numerous organizations such as PBS KIDS, National Academy of Sciences, The Jim Henson Company, MIT Education Arcade, CDC, New York Hall of Science, and Carnegie Hall to inspire lifelong learning.

In addition to his role at FableVision, Paul teaches digital media production at Boston College, where he has been adjunct faculty for over two decades. He is also a children's book author, collaborating with his twin brother, Peter H. Reynolds, on books such as "Going Places" and the "Sydney & Simon: Full STEAM Ahead!" series.

Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?

How might we infuse critical thinking into the classroom?

In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood welcome Colin Seale, a seasoned educator, attorney, and the founder of Think Law. Colin delves into how educators can ignite creative thinking in their classrooms through open-ended questions, fostering student creativity, and navigating existing educational systems while pushing for change. He emphasizes the need to maintain and nurture the innate curiosity each student possesses, challenging the conventional educational structures that often stifle imagination and innovative thinking. With captivating examples from his book "Thinking Like a Lawyer," Colin illustrates how everyday scenarios, such as questioning the value of traditions or analyzing courtroom cases, can develop critical and creative thinking skills in students of all backgrounds.

The discussion further explores the profound connection between creativity, educational equity, and the necessary visionary goals to tackle systemic issues like redlining and underinvestment in education. Seale underscores the importance of empowering students to visualize and work toward what "ought to be," fostering a sense of agency and problem-solving. From an inspiring classroom activity in Louisville to a teacher in Dayton ingeniously utilizing storytelling to teach historical events, Colin's insights provide a practical and transformative framework for educators. Colin also tackles the significance of mistake analysis and how understanding students' reasoning can enhance creative thinking.

About Colin Seale:

Colin Seale was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where struggles in his upbringing gave birth to his passion for educational equity. Tracked early into gifted and talented programs, Colin was afforded opportunities his neighborhood peers were not. Using lessons from his experience as a math teacher, later as an attorney, and now as a keynote speaker, contributor to Forbes, The 74, Edutopia and Education Post and author of Thinking Like a Lawyer: A Framework for Teaching Critical Thinking to All Students (Prufrock Press, 2020) and Tangible Equity: A Guide for Leveraging Student Identity, Culture, and Power to Unlock Excellence In and Beyond the Classroom (Routledge, 2022), Colin founded thinkLaw, a multi-award-winning organization to help educators leverage inquiry-based instructional strategies to close the critical thinking gap and ensure they teach and reach all students, regardless of race, zip code or what side of the poverty line they are born into.

Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?