Fueling Creativity in Education

Dr. Matthew J. Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 2 HR AGO

    Wonder, Engagement, and Creativity: What’s Helping—and What’s Holding Us Back

    What if the challenge in education is not a lack of creativity, but how we choose to prioritize it? In this reflective debrief episode, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood revisit three conversations from Season 12, featuring Susan Riley, Dana Henrickson, and Emma Watson. Together, these discussions raise a deeper question. Is creativity truly missing in schools, or is it already there, just not fully recognized or supported? Rather than pointing to a single barrier, this episode explores a more layered reality. Funding matters, but it is not the full story. Time, priorities, and expectations often shape what actually happens in the classroom. Creativity may exist in small, everyday moments, but without space and intention, it can easily be overlooked. The conversation also dives into the relationship between engagement and creativity. Do students need to be engaged before they can think creatively, or does creativity spark engagement in the first place? The answer is not simple, and that is exactly the point. Teaching is not about choosing one over the other, but understanding how they work together in real classroom conditions. Another key theme is the idea that teachers are already designing creative learning experiences, even if they do not always label them that way. With the right language and awareness, educators can begin to see their own practices differently and build from what is already working. The episode also highlights the concept of Wonder Museums, inspired by Emma Watson’s work. These experiences invite students to explore what they care about, create something meaningful, and share it with others. It is a reminder that creativity does not always require something new. Sometimes it starts by reimagining what is already possible. Finally, this debrief offers a shift in perspective. Instead of calling for a complete overhaul of the education system, it suggests something more realistic. Progress may come from small, intentional changes, a clearer understanding of creativity, and a willingness to rethink what we value in learning. If you have ever questioned whether creativity needs more resources or simply more attention, this episode offers a thoughtful and grounded perspective.   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.

    25 min

  2. 14 APR

    Designing Wonder: Bringing Museum Experiences to School with Emma Widmer

    What happens when learning feels more like exploring a museum than sitting in a classroom? And how can we create spaces where students are driven by curiosity instead of routine? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Emma Widmer, an educator who brought the idea of a “Wonder Museum” into her school to create hands-on, curiosity-driven learning experiences for all students. Listen in as the conversation explores how Emma transforms familiar school spaces into immersive environments where students can move freely, follow their interests, and engage with learning in a more meaningful way. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: – What it looks like to bring a museum-style experience into a school – How the Wonder Museum shifted from structured stations to open exploration – Why giving students choice helps increase curiosity and engagement – The role of collaboration in making big ideas possible – How small changes, like themed learning days, can work in any classroom – Why time and flexibility matter when trying new approaches – How to connect learning to student interests and local culture – The importance of knowing students and building strong relationships – How afterschool clubs can extend learning in a natural way – The opportunities and challenges within gifted education – Why creativity often grows when teachers balance structure and freedom – How immersive experiences can make learning feel natural and enjoyable Emma also shares how her own experience as a student shaped her teaching, including a memorable Titanic simulation that showed her how powerful immersive learning can be. If you are an educator, school leader, or someone thinking about how to make learning more engaging, this episode offers practical ideas you can try in your own setting. About the Guest Emma Widmer is an educator based in Western New York with over a decade of teaching experience. She currently serves as a gifted programming specialist at Dodge Elementary School, where she collaborates with teachers to design school-wide creative learning experiences, including the Wonder Museum. In addition to her work in K–12 education, she also teaches college-level courses and is passionate about fostering curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning in students.   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.

    26 min

  3. 7 APR

    Creativity or Engagement: Which Comes First with Dr. Danah Henrikson

    Does creativity make learning more engaging? Or does engagement create the conditions for creativity? What might we be overlooking when we assume we can easily tell when students are engaged? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Dr. Danah Henriksen to explore what research reveals about the connection between creativity and engagement in the classroom. Listen in as the conversation unpacks how creative learning environments can increase student motivation, curiosity, and participation. Danah shares why engagement is not always visible, and how what looks like attention or compliance may not reflect what students are actually thinking or learning. In this thoughtful conversation, they explore: Why creativity and engagement work in both directions, not just one How psychological safety helps students take risks and try new ideas The difference between true engagement and simple compliance Why students may appear focused but still hold misconceptions How creative teachers model thinking and influence student behavior Why small shifts in teaching can make a big difference in engagement How questioning, discussion, and exploration make learning more visible The tension between engaging students and meeting learning goals How technology can both support and interrupt engagement Why teaching is really a process of design, not just delivery Danah also shares insights from her research with award-winning teachers, highlighting how creativity shows up in everyday classroom practice and how it can be developed over time. If you are an educator, instructional designer, or school leader, this episode offers practical and research-based insights on how to think differently about engagement and create learning experiences that invite deeper participation.   About the Guest Dr. Danah Henriksen is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. Her research focuses on creativity, design thinking, and technology in education. She has published widely in the field, serves as Associate Editor for Thinking Skills and Creativity, and is co-author of Explaining Creativity (3rd edition). 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.

    25 min

  4. 31 MAR

    The Creativity Edge in Education: Funding, Priorities, and Training with Susan Riley

    What helps educators move creativity from the margins to the center of teaching and learning? And what systems might be quietly shaping what’s possible in our classrooms? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett speak with Susan Riley, founder of the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM and author of Creativity’s Edge: Unleashing Humanity’s Greatest Advantage in the Age of AI. Together, they explore why creativity, despite being widely valued, often remains underprioritized in schools—and how factors like funding, time, teacher preparation, and leadership all play a role in shaping what actually happens in classrooms. In this episode, we discuss: Why creativity in education is fundamentally an equity issue tied to funding and access How “money buys time” and why time is one of the biggest barriers to creative teaching The tension between stated values (creativity matters) and actual priorities (testing, curriculum pacing, college admissions) Why even well-funded schools may overlook creativity due to competing goals and systemic pressures How teacher preparation programs often miss foundational skills like lesson design and creative integration The role of leadership and school culture in fostering or constraining creativity Simple, practical ways to embed creativity into everyday classroom routines without overhauling curriculum The importance of habits and small shifts, such as questioning routines and curiosity-driven practices The connection between creativity and curiosity as mutually reinforcing forces in learning The “212-degree” metaphor for creativity as a transformational force that is often invisible but deeply impactful The challenges and possibilities of assessing creativity across skills, thinking, application, and expression Why creativity is both a communal experience and an individual act that extends beyond the classroom About Our Guest Susan Riley is an internationally recognized educator, author, and founder of the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, the largest online professional development provider focused on arts-integrated approaches. She has presented at the U.S. Department of Education, National Public Radio, and Americans for the Arts, and her work has been featured in publications worldwide. Her latest book, Creativity’s Edge, explores how creativity can serve as a critical advantage in the age of AI. This episode invites educators and leaders to take a deeper look at the systems, priorities, and daily practices that shape creativity in schools—and to consider how small, intentional shifts can lead to meaningful change over time. 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.

    28 min

  5. 24 MAR

    No Revolution Required: Creativity Is Already Here

    What if the problem in education is not a lack of creativity, but how we prioritize it? In this reflective debrief episode, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett revisit three powerful conversations from Season 12, exploring creativity through the lenses of AI, constructive dialogue, and educational research. Rather than calling for a complete overhaul of the system, they challenge a common narrative and suggest something more nuanced: creativity is already present in our classrooms, but it may not always be given the space or attention it deserves. The discussion dives into the difference between productivity and creativity in the age of AI, and how educators can use emerging tools to reclaim time without sacrificing deep thinking. The hosts also unpack the role of constructive dialogue as a foundation for creative problem solving, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, relationships, and shared understanding in the classroom. Finally, they reflect on research around whether schools truly hinder creativity, offering a more balanced perspective. Instead of revolution, they propose evolution, supported by mindset shifts, better use of tools, and a renewed commitment to student creative agency. If you have ever wondered how to navigate creativity, AI, and meaningful learning without burning everything down, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical perspective.   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.

    23 min

  6. 17 MAR

    Growing Creative Agency: What Helps, What Hinders, and What AI Changes with Dr. Maciej Karwowski

    What helps students believe they can shape the world with their ideas? And what might quietly discourage them from trying?   In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett speak with creativity researcher Dr. Maciej Karwowski, Professor of Psychology at the University of Warsaw and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Creative Behavior. Together, they explore creative agency and why students need more than creative ability to turn ideas into action. In this episode, we discuss: What a creative agency is and why it matters for student creativity The four key elements of creative agency: confidence, creative identity, risk-taking, and self-regulation Why many teachers and students underestimate their own creativity How beliefs about creativity influence whether students act on their ideas Whether schools actually suppress creativity or help it develop The role of knowledge in supporting creative thinking and learning How students’ creative confidence can shift as they gain expertise The opportunities and concerns surrounding AI and creativity in education How AI might support creativity through feedback rather than idea generation   About Our Guest Dr. Maciej Karwowski is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Warsaw and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Creative Behavior. His research focuses on the educational psychology of creativity, particularly creative agency and how classroom environments influence students’ creative development. This episode invites educators to reconsider how creativity develops in schools and how teachers can nurture the confidence, identity, and motivation students need to act on their ideas.   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.

    38 min

  7. 10 MAR

    Emotion, Polarization, and the Skills of Constructive Dialogue with Caroline Mehl

    In a time marked by strong emotion and deep polarization, how do we help students stay in conversation rather than shut down or attack? In this episode, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett welcome Caroline Mehl, co founder and executive director of the Constructive Dialogue Institute. Caroline explains that constructive dialogue is not about changing minds or abandoning beliefs. It is about fostering mutual understanding across differences. She shares how mindset and skillset work together, highlighting the importance of curiosity, open mindedness, and intellectual humility. Together, they discuss: – The difference between debate and dialogue – How emotions influence polarized conversations – Why classroom trust and shared norms must come first – Practical strategies such as storytelling, role play, and structured turn taking – How the “illusion of explanatory depth” reveals gaps in our own understanding This episode offers practical guidance for educators who want to create classrooms where difficult conversations are handled with care, clarity, and courage. About the Guest Caroline Mehl is the co founder and executive director of the Constructive Dialogue Institute, a nonpartisan nonprofit that partners with colleges and universities to build cultures of inquiry and dialogue. Since 2017, CDI has worked with more than 150 campuses across the United States. Caroline’s writing has appeared in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, Time, and Harvard Business Review. She serves on advisory boards focused on strengthening civic culture and helping communities disagree better.   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.

    34 min

  8. 3 MAR

    AI on the Front Lines: Creativity, Industry, and the Classroom with James Taylor

    How is AI changing creative work right now? And what does that mean for the way we teach and assess students? In this episode, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett talk with James Taylor about what he is seeing on the front lines of business and innovation. James shares his idea of “super creativity,” which is simply the idea that humans and machines can work together to create better ideas than either could alone. He offers real examples from industry and then helps us think through what those changes mean for schools. Together, they discuss: – The difference between using AI to automate work and using it to support thinking – Whether students should use AI in the early stages of idea development – What original work means when AI tools are widely available – Why critical thinking may matter more than ever – The role of persuasion and communication in bringing ideas to life – The ethical questions educators cannot ignore The conversation also explores an important tension. In business, the focus is often on the final product. In education, the focus must remain on the learning process. As AI becomes more common, teachers may need to rethink what they assess and how they assess it. If you are trying to make sense of AI without swinging to either extreme, this episode offers a thoughtful and balanced perspective. About the Guest James Taylor is an award-winning keynote speaker and internationally recognized expert on creativity, innovation, and artificial intelligence. He has interviewed more than 750 leading creative thinkers on his Super Creativity Podcast and works with global organizations to help them unlock innovation through human and machine collaboration. His latest book, Super Creativity: Accelerating Innovation in the Age of AI, explores how individuals and organizations can thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.   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.

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Matthew J. Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    250
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Fueling Creativity in Education

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