About the Guest(s): John Spencer is a professor in Oregon, an accomplished speaker, and an author known for his works "Empower" and "Launch." He has an extensive background in teaching middle school for over a decade and currently educates future teachers at the university level. John is passionate about empowering students through the maker mindset and design thinking, believing in the potential of all learners, including those with disabilities. His approach revolves around enhancing student engagement and ownership of their learning experience.

Episode Summary: Join Tim Villegas in this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast as he sits down with John Spencer, a distinguished professor, speaker, and author. Broadcasting from Marietta, Georgia, Tim explores with John the profound impact of student engagement and the maker mindset in education, highlighting ways to empower ALL students, including those with disabilities, through innovative teaching practices.

In this engaging conversation, John Spencer shares his rich journey from teaching middle school to shaping future educators at the university level. He delves into his books "Empower" and "Launch," particularly focusing on the design thinking process, its application in K-12 education, and how it transforms the classroom into a dynamic learning environment. John addresses common concerns educators face, such as managing a classroom with diverse needs, balancing curriculum requirements, and overcoming the traditional fixation on compliance. Emphasizing the importance of creativity and student agency, he provides valuable insights and inspirational stories of success that span his teaching career.

Transcript: https://3bd6e695-b492-4878-afa9-f79d8b09e0c4.usrfiles.com/ugd/3bd6e6_cf8bb23155914edf8fa4a3d3203998b7.pdf

Key Takeaways:

• Design Thinking in Education: John outlines the LAUNCH framework, a design thinking process to foster creativity, problem-solving, and ownership in learning among students.
• Inclusivity Through Empowerment: Strategies for integrating students with disabilities into design thinking projects, ensuring all students are engaged and empowered.
• Shifting Focus from Compliance to Engagement: The necessity of moving beyond rote compliance to create a student-driven, engaging learning environment.
• Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change: Practical advice for educators on managing classrooms with diverse needs, creatively adhering to curriculum maps, and integrating project-based learning.
• Vision for Future Education: John envisions a future where education is project-based, authentic, interconnected, and inclusive, with policy changes supporting this transformation.

Resources:

John Spencer’s Website: https://spencerauthor.com/

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org

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