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In this special end-of-year recap, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett reflect on the biggest shifts and ongoing challenges in education as the 2024-2025 academic year comes to a close. They revisit the evolution of conversations around what skills and experiences students truly need in an age of rapid technological disruption, especially with the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence in schools. Topics include the purpose and intent behind field trips, balancing foundational content with experiential learning, and the growing importance of real-world skills such as collaboration, communication, and adaptability. The hosts debate whether today's students receive enough hands-on, physical learning opportunities and how educators might intentionally integrate these into the curriculum despite logistical and budgetary barriers.

As they look toward the future, Matthew and Cyndi also consider the impact of digital communication on relationship-building and life skills, questioning whether today’s students might be missing out on essential interpersonal experiences. They discuss the challenges teachers face in “keeping doors open” for students—maintaining exposure to diverse subjects—while acknowledging the impossibility of covering every topic in depth. The episode rounds out with a call to reimagine the role of the teacher as mentor and guide, supporting real-world learning and personal growth in an increasingly AI-driven world. Listeners are invited to join the ongoing conversation about essential skills for the next generation over on the Fueling Creativity in Education LinkedIn group, and to look forward to the upcoming Listen and Learn summer book series.

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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