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Fueling Creativity in Education

Dr. Matthew J. Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett

The Fueling Creativity in Education podcast provides listeners with unique insights into the field of creativity research, including best practices for applying this knowledge to a traditional school environment. Thanks to deep dive interviews with renowned creativity scholars, respected practitioners, and passionate educators, every teacher and administrator will walk away with new strategies that inspire and support student and teacher creativity in and out of the classroom.

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#290
Yesterday · 33 min
The Science of Reading Meets Creativity with Greg McClure
Can creativity thrive within a structured literacy classroom? Greg McClure, an elementary educator and literacy specialist, joins us to explore how teachers can bring creativity into reading instruction without treating it as an extra. Greg shares his experience moving toward the science of reading and explains how explicitly teaching literacy skills can work alongside creativity. Rather than choosing between structure and creative learning, he encourages teachers to find meaningful ways to bring both into the classroom. The conversation explores how creative questions can strengthen reading comprehension. Greg shares examples from Hatchet, showing how questions that invite students to make connections, imagine possibilities, and explain their thinking can lead to richer discussions while still checking for understanding. Greg also introduces the idea of clarifying a problem before jumping to solutions through a live activity called “Quest for Clarity.” The activity demonstrates how asking thoughtful questions can help students gather information, understand a problem more clearly, and develop better solutions. Key Takeaways Creativity and structured literacy can work together rather than being treated as competing approaches. Giving students language and strategies for creativity can help them apply creative thinking beyond a single classroom activity. Creative questions can deepen comprehension while encouraging students to make their own connections. Asking clarifying questions helps students move beyond assumptions and better understand the problem they are trying to solve. Teachers can use the curriculum as a foundation while creating opportunities for deeper, more engaging learning. About Greg McClure Greg McClure is an elementary educator and literacy specialist with a master's in Creativity and Change Leadership from SUNY Buffalo State University. He has worked in elementary education for more than a decade and focuses on bringing creativity research into practical classroom experiences. He also develops creative classroom tools and activities through Breakout Brains. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#291
September 22 · 29 min
Neurodiversity, Neuroscience, and the Role of Fun in Professional Development
What can neuroscience and neurodiversity teach us about creativity, and how can we create professional development experiences that are both meaningful and enjoyable? In this first debrief episode of Season 13, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett reflect on their recent conversations with Adam Green, Leonie Baldacchino, and Dr. Matt Zagreski. They revisit ideas about creativity, neuroscience, neurodiversity, and the role of fun in learning. The conversation explores whether we sometimes overcomplicate creativity, how evaluation can affect students' willingness to take creative risks, and why creativity should be recognized across all areas of learning, not just gifted education. They also discuss the value of fun in professional development. Rather than using activities simply to entertain, they consider how purposeful play, warm-ups, and opportunities to connect can help educators engage, build relationships, and prepare for deeper learning. Key Takeaways Creativity does not always need to be complicated to be encouraged or recognized. Evaluation should allow space for students to take creative risks and demonstrate growth. Neurodivergent students may need different environments and opportunities to thrive. Creativity belongs in every classroom, not only gifted education. Fun in professional development can be valuable when it has a clear purpose and connection to learning. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#287
September 15 · 37 min
Neurodiversity and Creativity: Dr. Matthew Zakreski on ADHD, Autism, and Creative Strengths
Why do neurodivergent individuals often demonstrate remarkable creativity, and what can educators learn from the way their minds work? In this episode, Dr. Matt Zagreski explores the relationship between neurodiversity and creativity, explaining how differences in brain development and neural connections can influence the way people process information, make connections, and solve problems. The conversation looks at why traditional learning environments may not work for every student, including the impact of boredom, executive functioning, and the need for different ways of engaging with learning. Matt also challenges the idea that creativity belongs only in gifted education, emphasizing that creativity should be part of every student's educational experience. The episode also explores the importance of understanding neurodivergent students as individuals rather than viewing differences as deficits. Matt shares his own experiences and discusses how educators can create environments that help students recognize and build on their strengths. Key Takeaways Neurodivergent brains can make unique connections that support creative thinking. Creativity should not be limited to gifted education. It benefits all learners. Boredom can be a significant barrier to engagement for some neurodivergent students. Understanding individual needs can help educators create more supportive learning environments. Curiosity can help educators respond with compassion and creativity rather than judgment. About the Guest Dr. Matt Zagreski is a clinical psychologist, professor, researcher, author, and professional speaker who specializes in supporting neurodivergent individuals. He is the co-founder of the Neurodiversity Collective and author of The Neurodiversity Playbook. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#289
September 8 · 33 min
Trust Your Gut: The Power of Intuition in Education with Dr. Leonie Baldacchino
When should we trust our gut? And how can intuition support creativity and decision-making in education? In this episode, Professor Leonie Baldacchino from the Edward de Bono Institute for Creative Thinking and Innovation discusses the connections between creativity, STEM, enjoyment, and wellbeing. She also shares insights from her research with secondary school students and the role of divergent thinking. The conversation then explores intuition and how it can develop through experience and expertise. While teachers can benefit from trusting their instincts, Leonie explains why a gut feeling should also be followed by questions, reflection, and careful decision-making. The episode closes with a personal story about Leonie's journey into education and creativity and how a mentor helped her recognize potential she had not yet seen in herself. Key Takeaways Creativity and STEM learning can support each other. Enjoyment and wellbeing can create space for creativity. Intuition becomes stronger through experience and knowledge. Gut feelings can be useful, but they should be checked with evidence and reflection. Teachers develop stronger intuition as they gain classroom experience. About the Guest Professor Leonie Baldacchino is an academic at the Edward de Bono Institute for Creative Thinking and Innovation at the University of Malta. Her research focuses on creativity, entrepreneurship, intuition, innovation, and decision-making. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#286
September 1 · 31 min
The Neuroscience of Creativity with Dr. Adam Green
What can neuroscience teach us about creativity? And as artificial intelligence changes how we create, do we need to rethink what we mean by creativity? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Dr. Adam Green, professor at Georgetown University and director of the Laboratory for Relational Cognition, for a conversation about neuroscience, creativity, the ECHO Project, and AI. The conversation explores how researchers can study what happens in the brain during creative thinking and how this work might eventually help inform the development of better learning experiences. Adam also explains why neuroscience should add to what educators already know from observing and assessing students, rather than replace those approaches. The discussion then turns to the ECHO Project, a global collaboration involving nearly 200 creativity scholars. The project found significant agreement among researchers about the language used to describe creativity and related concepts such as imagination, problem-solving, and innovation. Developing a shared understanding can help educators be more precise about what they want students to develop. The episode also explores the growing role of AI in creative work. While AI can produce polished results, research discussed in the episode suggests that it may also make people's ideas more similar to one another. This raises an important question for educators: Are we using AI to support the creative process, or simply to produce a better final product? The conversation closes with a story about creativity, adaptation, and joy from Adam's experience at a camp for children with chronic illnesses. His story highlights how creativity can help us find new ways to create meaningful experiences for people with different needs. Key Takeaways Neuroscience can offer another way to understand what happens when people engage in creative thinking. The ECHO Project found significant agreement among creativity researchers about how creativity and related concepts can be understood. Distinguishing creativity from imagination, problem-solving, and innovation can help educators think more clearly about what they want students to develop. AI may make creative work look more polished while also making ideas more similar, raising important questions about the creative process. Creativity is not only about producing something new. The process itself can provide opportunities for learning, challenge, ownership, and joy. About Dr. Adam Green Dr. Adam Green is a professor at Georgetown University and director of the Laboratory for Relational Cognition. His research focuses on human creative intelligence and the neuroprocesses involved in creative relational reasoning. He also led the ECHO Project, bringing together creativity scholars from around the world to develop a shared understanding of creativity. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#288
August 25 · 10 min
Where Curiosity Begins: Kicking Off Season 13
What happens when you combine a new season, a new academic year, and a recording location that has been on your bucket list for years? Season 13 of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast begins with a special introduction recorded from Mount Etna in Sicily, a place that has fascinated Dr. Matthew Worwood since childhood. The episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of recording from the side of an active volcano, including poor signal, a rapidly draining battery, and the uncertainty of whether the episode would actually make it onto the podcast. But those challenges become part of the conversation. A simple question about whether there should be snow on Mount Etna leads to an unexpected discovery about snow trapped beneath volcanic ash. The experience becomes a reminder of how curiosity can turn an ordinary observation into a series of new questions and discoveries. The conversation also connects the experience on Mount Etna to several of the ideas explored in The Future Creative, including Ask Questions, Model Creative Behavior, Face the Feelings, and Enjoy the Ride. Rather than simply talking about these ideas, the episode offers a real-life example of what they can look like when something doesn't go according to plan. It is a fitting way to begin a new season and a new academic year. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#285
August 18 · 9 min
10 Actions for Fueling Creativity: Enjoy the Ride
📘 Purchase Your Copy of The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education What happens when we get so focused on getting through the day that we forget to enjoy it? In this final episode of the Summer 2026 Listen and Learn Series, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett explore the tenth and final action from The Future Creative: Enjoy the Ride. Teaching can sometimes feel like driving on autopilot. You get through the lesson, answer the questions, cover the material, and move on to the next thing. But when we are constantly focused on what comes next, we can miss the small moments that make teaching meaningful. This episode explores the importance of noticing joy in everyday classroom experiences. A student's breakthrough, a surprising question, a moment of laughter, or a small sign of growth can remind us why we chose this work in the first place. The episode also challenges the idea that fun is separate from serious learning. When students experience joy, they can become more willing to participate, take risks, and remember what they learn. But enjoyment matters for educators too. Finding moments of fun and connection can help us stay engaged and bring more energy into our work. Dr. Matthew shares a personal story about a stressful period when he was writing about joy while feeling anything but joyful. A silly idea from his family about dressing up as their dog, Riggy, for a holiday card became an unexpected reminder to pause, laugh, and enjoy the moment. The goal isn't to make every lesson bigger, louder, or more entertaining. Sometimes it is simply about noticing what is already enjoyable and giving ourselves permission to experience it. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#281
August 11 · 9 min
10 Actions for Fueling Creativity: Face the Feelings
📘 Purchase Your Copy of The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education What happens after a creative idea doesn't work? In this ninth episode of the Summer 2026 Listen and Learn Series, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett explore Action #9 from The Future Creative: Face the Feelings. Creativity always involves some level of uncertainty. When we try something new, there is always a chance that it will not work as planned. We often talk about failure as an important part of learning, but we don't always talk about what failure actually feels like. In this episode, Matthew shares a personal story about a creative project that fell short of what he and others had hoped to achieve. While he was able to take responsibility for what went wrong, the emotional impact lasted much longer. Feelings of embarrassment, frustration, and disappointment influenced how he thought about taking on similar projects in the future. That experience highlights an important part of creative learning: failure doesn't just affect what we think. It can affect what we are willing to try next. The episode explores how students, educators, and professionals can become more cautious after experiencing failure, particularly when the experience is public or emotionally difficult. The goal is not to ignore these feelings or simply tell ourselves that failure is part of the process. Instead, we can learn to recognize and face the emotions that come with trying something new. Matthew also encourages educators to share some of their own experiences with failure. Rather than offering students a polished message about how "failure is part of learning," educators can share the real story, including the disappointment, embarrassment, or uncertainty they experienced. Doing so can help students understand that difficult feelings are a natural part of creative work. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#280
August 4 · 7 min
10 Actions for Creativity: Maximize the Environment
📘 Purchase Your Copy of The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education What if the most valuable creative resource in your classroom is something you already have? In this eighth episode of the Summer 2026 Listen and Learn Series, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett explore Action #8 from The Future Creative: Maximize the Environment. The episode begins with a simple comparison. Two classrooms have the same stack of cardboard boxes. In one classroom, the boxes serve as storage. In the other, they become rocket ships, stages, reading nooks, and creative workspaces. The difference is not the resources themselves. It is how they are viewed and used. Matthew explores the idea that creativity is often less about having more and more about seeing more. Instead of focusing on limited budgets or waiting for new technology, educators are encouraged to rethink the possibilities hidden within the materials, tools, and spaces they already have. The episode also looks at how our assumptions shape the way we use everyday resources. An interactive whiteboard can become much more than a digital chalkboard. A shared document can become a space for collaboration, feedback, and creative learning. When we begin asking, "What else could this do?" familiar tools can open up entirely new learning experiences. Ultimately, maximizing the environment is about developing the habit of seeing possibilities where others see ordinary objects. It is a mindset that helps both educators and students discover creativity in the resources already around them. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#284
July 28 · 10 min
10 Actions for Fueling Creativity: Spot Creative Potential
📘 Purchase Your Copy of The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education What if the student who challenges you the most is also the one with the greatest creative potential? In this seventh episode of the Summer 2026 Listen and Learn Series, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett explore Action #7 from The Future Creative: Spot Creative Potential. Creative potential is often easy to miss because it doesn't always look the way we expect. It may not be the student with the highest grades or the one who always follows the rules. Instead, it might be the student who asks unexpected questions, challenges assumptions, experiments with new ideas, or approaches problems differently from everyone else. Drawing on insights from creativity researchers Mark Runco and Todd Lubart, this episode explores why educators should look beyond finished work and begin noticing the early signs of creativity. Matthew introduces the image of an acorn, reminding us that every student has hidden potential waiting for the right conditions to grow. The role of an educator is not to create that potential, but to recognize it and help it develop. The episode also encourages teachers to broaden the opportunities they provide for students to demonstrate creativity. Open-ended challenges and student choice often reveal strengths that traditional assignments and single-answer assessments can overlook. When every student has the chance to approach a task in their own way, creativity becomes easier to recognize. Most importantly, this episode reminds us that one conversation, one opportunity, or one teacher who chooses to look a little closer can make all the difference in helping a student discover their creative potential. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#279
July 21 · 10 min
10 Actions for Fueling Creativity: Model Creative Behavior
📘 Purchase Your Copy of The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education What do your students learn when things don't go according to plan? In this sixth episode of the Summer 2026 Listen and Learn Series, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett explore Action #6 from The Future Creative: Model Creative Behavior. The episode begins with a personal story about a classroom technology problem that turned out to have a surprisingly simple solution. What could have remained an embarrassing moment instead became an opportunity to model something far more valuable than a perfectly delivered lesson. Matthew reflects on how our first reactions to mistakes can shape the learning experiences of those around us. Rather than hiding errors or pretending everything went smoothly, educators can use these moments to demonstrate reflection, persistence, and problem solving. By thinking out loud, acknowledging assumptions, and showing how they work through challenges, teachers give students a real example of what creativity looks like in practice. The episode also explores why modeling matters. Students pay close attention not only to what educators say, but also to how they respond when things go wrong. Every unexpected setback becomes an opportunity to demonstrate resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Rather than striving for perfection, this episode encourages educators to embrace the everyday moments that reveal the creative process in action. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#283
July 14 · 9 min
10 Actions for Fueling Creativity: Initiate Discussions
📘 Purchase Your Copy of The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education How many people in your school would describe themselves as creative? For many people, the answer is "not really." They picture artists, musicians, or famous inventors, while overlooking the creativity they use every day to solve problems, adapt to challenges, and connect ideas. In this fifth episode of the Summer 2026 Listen and Learn Series, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett explore Action #5 from The Future Creative: Initiate Discussions. This episode looks at why conversations about creativity matter. The way we define creativity influences what we notice, what we encourage, and who feels confident enough to see themselves as creative. When those conversations never happen, outdated ideas often remain unchallenged. Matthew explores two common myths that continue to shape education. The first is that creativity belongs only in the arts. The second is that only a small number of people are naturally creative. Drawing on insights from creativity researchers including Dr. Anna Abraham and Dr. James Kaufman, he explains why these beliefs can prevent both educators and students from recognizing their own creative strengths. The episode also highlights the importance of creating opportunities for honest conversations about creativity. Rather than telling people what creativity is, educators can ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully, and invite different perspectives. Those discussions can help build a shared understanding of creativity across classrooms, schools, and communities. If we want creativity to become part of everyday learning, the conversation has to begin somewhere. This episode offers a simple place to start. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#282
July 7 · 10 min
10 Actions for Fueling Creativity: Ask Questions
📘 Purchase Your Copy of The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education What if the most powerful tool for creativity isn't having the right answers, but asking better questions? In this third episode of the Summer 2026 Listen and Learn Series, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett explore Action #3 from The Future Creative: Ask Questions. The episode begins with a simple challenge: take an ordinary pencil and spend five minutes asking as many questions about it as possible. What starts as an ordinary classroom object quickly becomes an invitation to wonder, revealing how easily familiarity can prevent us from noticing the world around us. Matthew explores the difference between questions that simply check for understanding and questions that spark curiosity, imagination, and creative thinking. While many classroom questions have a single correct answer, authentic questions encourage exploration, invite multiple possibilities, and create opportunities for deeper learning. Drawing from interviews with leading creativity researchers, educators, and practitioners, this episode highlights why asking questions emerged as one of the most common themes across The Future Creative. As creativity practitioner Anne Jacoby reminds us, curiosity is the gateway to creativity. The conversation also examines why questioning has become even more important in the age of artificial intelligence. As information becomes increasingly accessible, the ability to ask thoughtful, meaningful questions is becoming one of the most valuable creative skills educators can help students develop. Most importantly, this episode encourages educators to create classrooms where curiosity feels safe, where students are encouraged to wonder, and where questions are celebrated as the beginning of creative thinking rather than interruptions to learning. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#278
June 30 · 9 min
10 Actions for Fueling Creativity: Build Relationships
📘 Purchase Your Copy of The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education What makes someone feel safe enough to share a new idea? In this fourth episode of the Summer 2026 Listen and Learn Series, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood explore one of the most important actions for nurturing creativity in education: Build Relationships. Whether you're a first-year teacher looking for feedback, an experienced educator proposing a new initiative, or a school leader hoping to inspire innovation across your staff, creativity rarely happens in isolation. It grows in environments where people feel trusted, respected, and supported enough to take risks. This episode examines why strong relationships are the foundation of creative learning communities. Matthew and Cyndi discuss how psychological safety encourages educators and students to share unfinished ideas, experiment with new approaches, and learn from failure without fear of judgment. Listeners will also discover simple but meaningful ways to strengthen relationships in the classroom, including celebrating important moments in students' lives, showing genuine curiosity about their experiences, and creating opportunities for authentic connection. Beyond the classroom, the conversation highlights how supportive relationships among teachers and school leaders can foster a culture where creativity extends throughout an entire school. The episode concludes with a reflective activity that invites educators to consider the relationships that encourage their creativity and those that unintentionally discourage it, offering a practical first step toward building stronger, more creative communities. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#277
June 23 · 11 min
10 Actions for Fueling Creativity: Be Deliberate
📘 Purchase Your Copy of The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education If we say creativity matters, are we teaching it with the same intention we bring to literacy, mathematics, and other core subjects? Or are we assuming it will simply emerge on its own? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast Listen and Learn Summer Series, Dr. Matthew Worwood introduces the first action from The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education: Be Deliberate. Drawing on an early experience designing a digital media and moviemaking program, Matthew reflects on a surprising challenge that revealed an important lesson about creativity. Despite being given an open-ended assignment, students across multiple schools produced remarkably similar ideas. The experience led him to question a common assumption in education: that open-ended tasks automatically produce original thinking. In this practical episode, he explores: Why creativity should be taught with the same intentionality as other important skills What happens when educators assume originality will emerge on its own How open-ended assignments can still produce predictable outcomes The difference between offering choice and deliberately targeting creative thinking Why students need support and strategies to generate original ideas How instructional design influences creative outcomes The importance of identifying creativity as a learning goal, not just a byproduct Ways educators can intentionally build creativity into existing lessons and routines Why small changes can have a meaningful impact on creative development How deliberate teaching practices help students develop skills beyond academic standards Matthew also reflects on how educators who successfully foster creativity often do so because they intentionally design learning experiences that target creative thinking, curiosity, and idea generation alongside subject content. If you are an educator looking to strengthen creativity in your classroom, this episode offers an important reminder that creativity grows when we teach it with purpose. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#276
June 16 · 9 min
10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education: Keep Open
📘 Purchase Your Copy of The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education How often do we shut down an idea before it has a chance to develop? And what opportunities might we miss when we judge ideas too quickly? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast Listen and Learn Summer Series, Dr. Cyndi Burnett introduces the second action from The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education: Keep Open. Listen in as Cyndi explores why creativity requires us to resist the urge to immediately judge ideas and instead remain open long enough to discover what might be hidden within them. Through a simple classroom example, she demonstrates how even an impractical idea can reveal a valuable insight when we take the time to understand the need behind it. In this practical episode, she explores: – Why our first reaction to new ideas is often judgment – How quickly dismissing ideas can limit creative thinking – The difference between evaluating an idea and staying open to possibility – Why even unrealistic ideas may contain valuable insights – How positive judgments can stop idea development just as quickly as negative ones – The importance of separating idea generation from evaluation – What happens when students feel their ideas are immediately dismissed – How awareness of our own judgment patterns can strengthen creativity – A simple exercise for monitoring judgments throughout the week – Why keeping ideas open creates opportunities for better solutions to emerge Cyndi also shares a classroom assignment she has used for years that helps students recognize just how often they judge ideas without realizing it. If you are an educator, school leader, or anyone interested in fostering creativity, this episode offers a simple but powerful practice for creating more space for curiosity, exploration, and possibility. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#275
June 9 · 23 min
Disconnect to Reconnect: Creativity Beyond the School Year
What happens when we give ourselves permission to slow down? And how might moments of rest, reflection, and play help fuel our creativity for the year ahead? In this special summer episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett reflect on the end of another school year and share their plans for disconnecting, recharging, and reconnecting with the activities that bring them joy and inspiration. Listen in as they discuss the importance of creating space for mind wandering, creative hobbies, and meaningful experiences beyond work. They also offer a preview of the upcoming summer Listen and Learn series, inspired by their new book, The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – Why creativity often needs periods of rest and recovery – How slowing down can help us think more clearly and creatively – The value of disconnecting from technology and productivity pressures – Why mind wandering can be a powerful creative practice – How hobbies and personal interests can help restore energy and focus – The importance of reconnecting with activities you loved as a child – Why creativity should be nurtured both inside and outside of work – How small daily habits can support wellbeing and creative thinking – The challenge of balancing professional goals with personal renewal – Ways educators can create space for reflection during school breaks – How AI might help reduce routine tasks while preserving meaningful creative work – What listeners can expect from the upcoming Listen and Learn summer series Dr. Matthew shares how golf has become a creative outlet that helps him disconnect from work and focus on learning, growth, and being present in the moment. Dr. Cyndi reflects on returning to dance after many years away and the joy of reconnecting with a lifelong passion that has always been part of her creative identity. If you are an educator preparing for the months ahead, this episode offers encouragement to slow down, make space for yourself, and embrace the experiences that help creativity flourish. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#274
June 2 · 33 min
From AI in the Classroom to Creativity in the Movies: A Conversation with James Kaufman
How is artificial intelligence changing the way we think about creativity and learning? And what can movies teach us about the creative process, healing, and human expression? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome back Dr. James Kaufman, one of the leading scholars in creativity research, for a wide-ranging conversation about AI, education, creativity, and his latest work exploring creativity through film. Listen in as the conversation reflects on the newly released book Generative Artificial Intelligence and Creativity: Precautions, Perspectives, and Possibilities, co-edited by James Kaufman and Matthew Worwood. Together, they discuss the promises and concerns surrounding AI in education, including its impact on learning, creative thinking, feedback, and assessment. The discussion then shifts to James's newest book, Creativity Through the Movies, where he explores how films can help us better understand creativity, motivation, grief, healing, and the human experience. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – The different perspectives creativity researchers hold about AI and its future impact – Why the creative process may matter more than the final product – How AI can support productivity while potentially limiting originality – The risks of relying on AI for thinking, learning, and creative work – Why educators may need to focus more on process rather than product in assessment – The role of AI in providing feedback and supporting creativity research – How AI could help assess creativity at a larger scale – Why meaning, purpose, and creative identity matter in an age of automation – The relationship between creativity, wellbeing, and personal growth – How creative activities can help people process grief and difficult life experiences – What movies reveal about creativity as a human journey rather than a final achievement – Why everyday creativity can be just as meaningful as professional creative accomplishments James also shares examples from films such as Ghostlight, Hamnet, and Sing Sing, highlighting how creative expression can help people navigate loss, build connection, and find meaning during challenging times. If you are an educator, researcher, creative professional, or simply curious about the future of creativity, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of both the opportunities and challenges emerging in a rapidly changing world. About the Guest Dr. James Kaufman is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education and one of the world's leading creativity researchers. He has written or edited more than 60 books and is widely known for co-developing the Four C Model of Creativity with Dr. Ronald Beghetto. His research spans creativity, meaning, motivation, intelligence, and education, and he has developed several widely used measures of creativity. His recent projects include Generative Artificial Intelligence and Creativity: Precautions, Perspectives, and Possibilities and Creativity Through the Movies. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#273
May 26 · 30 min
Mastery, Feedback, and Communication: A Season 12 Reflection with Jimmy Wilson
What helps students build creative confidence over time? And how do mastery, feedback, and communication shape the way students learn, create, and see themselves in the classroom? In this final reflection episode of Season 12 of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome back resident scholar Jimmy Wilson to revisit key themes from the season through the lens of current creativity research. Listen in as the conversation connects ideas from episodes on handwriting, AI, sports, game-based learning, creativity, and neurodiversity. Together, they explore why some traditional learning practices still matter, how mastery-based approaches can support creative confidence, and why feedback continues to play such an important role in student growth. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – Why handwriting may support creativity, retention, and deeper thinking – How slowing down the learning process can improve understanding – The connection between mastery and creative self-efficacy – Why repeated practice and experimentation help students build confidence – The challenges and opportunities within mastery-based learning – How games and sports naturally support experimentation and iteration – The role of feedback in helping students refine and strengthen ideas – How AI tools may help teachers provide more frequent and meaningful feedback – Why creative learning should include multiple ways for students to demonstrate understanding – The importance of balancing structure with flexibility in assessment – How creativity research is beginning to focus more on strengths within neurodiversity – Why traits like hyperfocus, curiosity, and experimentation can be creative strengths – The growing research connection between creativity and meaning in life Jimmy also reflects on how creativity research is shifting toward more possibility-centered approaches that recognize different ways of learning, thinking, and engaging in the classroom. If you are an educator interested in creativity, assessment, neurodiversity, or student motivation, this episode offers research-based insights and practical reflections on how learning environments can better support both mastery and creative growth. About the Guest Jimmy Wilson is the resident scholar for the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast and a doctoral researcher exploring creativity, neurodiversity, and education. His work focuses on topics including ADHD, dyslexia, autism, creative self-efficacy, and how different learners engage with creative processes in educational settings. Throughout Season 12, Jimmy followed the podcast conversations closely and connected emerging themes back to current creativity research. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.
#272
May 19 · 21 min
Engage, Connect, Create: Social Media, Games, and Music in Learning
What if some of the most powerful tools for engagement are already part of students’ everyday lives? And what happens when educators use games, music, and social media with more intention in the learning process? In this final debrief episode of Season 12 of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett revisit three conversations that challenged the way they think about engagement, creativity, and learning. Drawing from recent episodes on tabletop role-playing games, creative styles, and music in education, they reflect on how educators can create more meaningful learning experiences by building on tools and interests students already connect with. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – The difference between gamification and true game-based learning – How tabletop games encourage dialogue, collaboration, and perspective-taking – Why play is often missing from middle and high school learning experiences – The connection between games, creativity, and student motivation – How creative styles can help educators better understand themselves and their students – Why creativity looks different from person to person – The role of creative confidence and self-awareness in learning – How music can help students better remember and connect with content – Why creative learning experiences often stay with students longer than lectures – The growing role of social media and teacher influencers in education – How educators can use social platforms more intentionally to extend learning – Why engagement may not require completely new ideas, but better use of tools already around us Matthew and Cyndi also reflect on the power of conversation, storytelling, and shared experiences in the classroom, and why meaningful learning often happens when students are invited to actively participate rather than simply receive information. If you are an educator looking for fresh ways to engage students, this episode offers practical reflections and ideas that connect creativity to the realities of today’s classrooms. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite platform and sign up for our Extra Fuel newsletter for more resources and inspiration. Visit FuelingCreativityPodcast.com for more information or email us at questions@fuelingcreativitypodcast.com.

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