Fueling Creativity in Education

Dr. Matthew J. Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett
Fueling Creativity in Education

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. HACE 6 DÍAS

    The Creativity Choice: A Conversation with Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle

    Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! In this special summer edition of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood welcome back Dr. Zorana Pringle, senior research scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, to discuss her new book, "The Creativity Choice." In a concise, listen-and-learn format, Dr. Pringle offers a compelling overview of her book, which explores what happens after we've come up with creative ideas—emphasizing the process of transforming those ideas into tangible outcomes. The conversation highlights that creativity isn't limited to the arts; it's a multifaceted process relevant to lesson planning, curriculum design, and problem-solving in any educational context. Dr. Pringle also addresses common misconceptions about Teaching Creativity, such as the belief that it requires complete freedom or is only about idea generation, emphasizing instead the importance of constraints and the emotional journey involved in creative work. Listeners will gain practical insights into how emotions impact different stages of the creative process, from playful ideation to critical evaluation. Dr. Pringle shares actionable advice, encouraging educators (and anyone cultivating creativity) to recognize their own emotional patterns and leverage them—using energized moods for brainstorming and more subdued moods for critical review. The episode not only introduces inspiring new perspectives on creativity in education but also serves as a sneak peek into Dr. Pringle’s book, recommended for educators, leaders, and coaches alike. Be sure to visit the podcast website for the complete summer reading list, and stay tuned for more enriching episodes in this summer professional development series.   Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? 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

    11 min
  2. 17 JUN · CONTENIDO EXTRA

    Riding the First AI Wave: A Teacher Roundtable

    In this special episode, co-host Cyndi Burnett turns the microphone toward fellow host Matthew Worwood to discuss his latest Teacher Roundtable film, Riding the First AI Wave. As the second installment in the Teacher Roundtable series, this project captures another pivotal moment in education—this time focused on the early reactions of educators to the emergence of generative AI. The episode opens with a short interview in which Matthew shares what inspired him to document how teachers responded to the release of ChatGPT 3.5 in November 2022. He discusses the range of emotions—from curiosity to cautious optimism—that shaped educators’ first experiences with large language models. Following the interview, listeners are invited to experience the roundtable film itself. Riding the First AI Wave features a candid and thought-provoking conversation among six voices—K–12 teachers, university faculty, and undergraduate students—reflecting on the evolving impact of AI on teaching and learning. The film opens with personal reflections on encountering ChatGPT for the first time, offering insight into the uncertainty and excitement that followed. The conversation then explores how generative AI is reshaping classrooms and institutions. Two powerful teaching scenarios guide the group through the ethical complexities of AI integration, offering a rich dialogue on what it means to teach and learn in an AI-powered world. Key Topics Covered: Educator and student reactions to ChatGPT’s release The shifting role of teachers in the age of AI Opportunities and challenges in AI-assisted learning Ethical considerations of AI use in the classroom Real-world teaching scenarios and the future of education Watch the full roundtable film and explore additional resources at: www.teacherroundtables.com.

    40 min
  3. 10 JUN

    Summer 2025 Academic Year Wrap-Up!

    Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! 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. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? 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

    35 min
  4. 3 JUN

    Scholarly Debrief (10): Discussing Metacognition and the Importance of Sleep

    Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! Are we missing an essential ingredient for creativity in education—like sleep? In the Season 10 finale of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett hand over the mic to their resident scholar, Jimmy Wilson, for an in-depth reflection on the standout moments and innovative insights from an eclectic season. Jimmy draws connections between classroom creativity and essential factors we often overlook, like the power of sleep and the importance of understanding our own creative process. The discussion dives into research showing how just a few minutes of rest can double or even triple creative problem-solving, and why productive struggle—not just instant success—is critical for growth. The hosts and Jimmy also grapple with how students can find their purpose in an AI-driven world, and why fostering community and authentic connections in the classroom are more important than ever. With highlights from luminaries like Teresa Amabile, Leo Burd, and Robert Sternberg, this episode asks educators to reconsider not only the tools they give students, but also the passion and purpose fueling the next generation. Noteworthy Mentions The Role of Sleep: Research cited showed that brief periods of sleep or even twilight rest significantly improve creative problem-solving. Metacognition in the Classroom: Guests discussed the growing importance of helping students understand their own learning and thinking processes, especially amid the rise of AI. Feedback & Incremental Growth: Celebrating small wins and providing clear, iterative feedback is more motivating than focusing solely on the end product. Purpose and Passion: Transformational creativity comes from students connecting their work to a bigger purpose—benefiting themselves and their communities. Productive Struggle: Perseverance and learning from failure are reframed as keys to creative development. Authentic Audience: The impact of students seeing their work valued in the real world proves to be a major motivator. About Jimmy Wilson Jimmy Wilson is a doctoral candidate specializing in creativity and education at the University of Connecticut, currently completing a prestigious NSF fellowship in educational neuroscience. As the show's resident scholar, Jimmy brings a unique blend of fresh academic research and practical classroom insight. His work focuses on how biology, environment, and emerging technologies intersect to shape creativity at all levels of education. Passionate about connecting theory to practice, Jimmy is dedicated to helping educators foster greater creativity, resilience, and purpose in children and young adults alike.   Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? 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

    31 min
  5. 27 MAY

    Debrief 10(4): Connecting Creativity to Passion, Purpose, and Biomimicry

    Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Are today’s students losing their passion and sense of purpose—and how can educators help reignite it? In this final debrief episode of Season 10, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett reflect on their standout interviews with a trio of trailblazers in creativity: astrobio futurist Billy Almon, MIT Media Lab’s Dr. Leo Burd, and the legendary Dr. Teresa Amabile. The conversation dives deep into the value of biomimicry—learning from nature to solve classroom challenges, the importance of finding purpose and passion in creative learning, and how small wins can fuel motivation for both teachers and students. Matt and Cyndi also explore whether influences like the pandemic and increased screen time are dampening young people's intrinsic motivation, and discuss how creativity can play a key role in happiness throughout all stages of life, including retirement. This lively, insightful wrap-up invites educators to ask themselves and their students thought-provoking questions about what inspires them, what matters most, and how to foster environments where creativity thrives. Noteworthy Mentions Biomimicry in Education: Drawing inspiration from nature—like the calculated strike of a scorpion—to foster creativity and problem-solving in classroom environments. Five Ps of Creative Learning: A model discussed by Dr. Leo Burd, focusing on Passion, Project, Play, Peers and the crucial addition of Purpose in creative learning settings. Purpose and Passion: A pressing concern about whether today’s students are struggling to find their "why," potentially due to pandemic disruptions, over-accommodation, or screen time overload. Progress Principle: Dr. Teresa Amabile’s research on the power of recognizing small wins to sustain motivation and creativity—a strategy for both teachers and learners. Creativity Across the Lifespan: The empowering idea that creativity isn’t just for the classroom—it's vital for happiness and fulfillment into retirement and beyond. Conversation Starters: Encouragement for teachers to ask students what matters to them and what they’re passionate about, to help spark deeper engagement. Episodes Discussed: Billy Almon is an astrobio futurist known for his work in biomimicry and innovative approaches to creativity. Dr. Leo Burd is a researcher at the MIT Media Lab, where he explores creative learning frameworks and the integration of purpose into educational experiences. Dr. Teresa Amabile is a renowned scholar in the fields of creativity, motivation, and organizational behavior, widely recognized for her work on the progress principle and for championing creativity at every stage of life. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? 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

    27 min
  6. 20 MAY

    The Value of Small Wins and the Progress Principle with Dr. Teresa Amabile (Part Two)

    Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! Listen to Part One of the Double Expresso here! In this exceptional double espresso of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett are joined by Dr. Teresa Amabile for part two of a discussion on creativity in education. The three explore the application of Dr. Amabile's Progress Principle, a concept that emphasizes how small wins drive motivation and creativity, even in classroom environments. Dr. Amabile shares insights from her research involving R&D teams at corporations, revealing how a positive inner work life, driven by progress in meaningful work, fosters creativity and productivity. The discussion expands into the significance of learning from setbacks and mistakes, a practice essential for both children and adults, and how celebrating failures can lead to further progress and creativity in education. The episode also touches upon the intriguing topic of creativity in retirement, where Dr. Amabile shares findings from her recent research on life satisfaction of retirees, highlighting the importance of creative opportunities during the later years of one's career. Additionally, the episode addresses the potential impact of generative AI on creativity, sparking thoughts on its potential to support or hinder human creativity. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Amabile weaves personal stories and insights that add a warm, engaging touch to the academic discussion, offering listeners a fusion of inspiration and practical applications for fostering creativity in various stages of life and work. The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work Retiring: Creating a Life that Works for You About Dr. Teresa Amabile: Dr. Teresa Amabile is a world-renowned expert in creativity research, with 50 years of groundbreaking work in the field. She is the Edsel Bryant Ford Professor, Emerita, at Harvard Business School and originally trained as a chemist before earning her Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University. Her research has explored the intersection of creativity, motivation, and the work environment, shaping how we understand and foster innovation. Dr. Amabile is the author of several influential books, including Growing Up Creative, Creativity in Context, The Progress Principle, and most recently, Retiring: Creating a Life that Works for You, as well as over 100 research articles and scholarly chapters. Her work continues to inspire educators, leaders, and organizations to cultivate environments that nurture creativity and innovation. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? 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

    18 min
  7. 20 MAY

    Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation in the Classroom with Dr. Teresa Amabile (Part One)

    Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! Listen to Part Two of the Double Expresso here! In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett engage in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Teresa Amabile, a world-renowned expert in creativity research. Teresa shares fascinating insights from her impressive 50-year career, discussing her journey and the many chapters of her groundbreaking work. The conversation begins into her early interests in childhood creativity, sparked during her time in kindergarten, and how these experiences led her to study motivation and its effects on creativity. Teresa emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and reflects on how extrinsic factors can sometimes bolster creativity, sharing practical tips for teachers and administrators. The episode also highlights Teresa's reflections on creativity within educational environments, stressing that creativity is not solely an individual trait but is significantly influenced by context. The discussion touches on her book "Creativity in Context" and explores how school environments can either nurture or stifle creative potential. Teresa advocates for a flexible, personalized approach to education, where students are encouraged to explore and play without the constraints of rigid, standardized assessments. Throughout the episode, Matthew and Cyndi explore these themes with Teresa, drawing valuable connections between research and practical application in educational settings. Creativity in Context About Dr. Teresa Amabile: Dr. Teresa Amabile is a world-renowned expert in creativity research, with 50 years of groundbreaking work in the field. She is the Edsel Bryant Ford Professor, Emerita, at Harvard Business School and originally trained as a chemist before earning her Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University. Her research has explored the intersection of creativity, motivation, and the work environment, shaping how we understand and foster innovation. Dr. Amabile is the author of several influential books, including Growing Up Creative, Creativity in Context, The Progress Principle, and most recently, Retiring: Creating a Life that Works for You, as well as over 100 research articles and scholarly chapters. Her work continues to inspire educators, leaders, and organizations to cultivate environments that nurture creativity and innovation. Eager to bring more creativity into your school district? 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

    30 min

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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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