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

How might visual literacy foster everyday creativity and curiosity in students?
 
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Drs. Matthew Worwood and Cyndi Burnett are joined by Dr. Cheryle Yin Lo, an expert in arts education and creativity, who shares her insights on the interconnectedness of art and science. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of visual literacy and the emotional connections that foster creativity, urging educators to incorporate these elements into their teaching. She discusses her involvement with the Global Changemakers Program at the United Nations Association of Australia, which aims to engage students in creative projects that address the UN’s sustainable development goals. Highlighting successful projects such as a knowledge center for flood relief and a song about sustainability, Cheryl underscores the need for creative approaches to solve global issues.
Cheryl challenges traditional educational norms by discussing non-western art theories and the integration of sustainability in various subjects. Through a spirited discussion with the hosts, the episode highlights how merging different disciplines can enhance students’ understanding and capabilities, preparing them to navigate an increasingly uncertain and interconnected world.
About Dr. Cheryle Yin Lo
Dr. Cheryl Yin Lo challenges traditional educational norms by discussing non-western art theories and the integration of sustainability in various subjects. Through a spirited discussion with the hosts, the episode highlights how merging different disciplines can enhance students’ understanding and capabilities, preparing them to navigate an increasingly uncertain and interconnected world.
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

How does interdisciplinary learning help enchance creative thinking?
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett speak with interdisciplinary educator Alyssa Matuchniak and School Principal Cathleen Scott about the innovative approaches at Three Springs High School. The discussion highlights how creativity and flexibility in curriculum design can address diverse student needs and foster an environment where every student thrives. Alyssa shares inspiring examples from her teaching experience, including projects where students explore health topics through various art forms, such as songwriting and video game design, demonstrating the school's commitment to student-led learning and expression.
The hosts and guests emphasize the significance of fostering a "culture of yes" within schools, where staff are encouraged to be both prepared and willing to adapt based on student feedback and interests. This philosophy not only supports educational engagement but also builds trust, allowing students to feel valued and understood. The conversation points out the crucial role of collaboration among educators and the importance of principals and teachers working together to cultivate a creative and inclusive school culture that embraces all students, regardless of their backgrounds or challenges.
Further exploring the operational side of creativity in education, the episode covers the logistical and strategic frameworks that support innovative teaching methods at Three Springs High School. Challenges such as scheduling, interdisciplinary collaboration, and maintaining dynamic teaching approaches are discussed. Principal Cathleen Scott elaborates on the strategies for overcoming these challenges, emphasizing the school's community-centric approach that nurtures belonging and care among students and staff.
About our guests:
Catheleen Scott is the principal at Three Springs High School. Her work marries the disciplines of social work and education to create a student-centered learning environment, where kids who need something different from the traditional model of schooling can thrive. In her years since becoming the TSHS principal, Catheleen has spearheaded several significant changes, including a shift from online credit retrieval to project-based learning, a move towards consistent co-teaching, and a shift to interdisciplinary coursework. An advocate for the voices of students at the fringes, Catheleen strives to create a school culture and climate rooted deeply in community, belonging, and care for others.
Alyssa Matuchniak is a multidisciplinary educator-poet at Three Springs High School in Cheney, WA, with six years experience in teaching and professional writing. A South Bay Teacher of the Year award recipient, Alyssa’s pedagogy embodies project-based learning, culturally responsive education, and principles of Universal Design. When not teaching, she slams at open mics and promotes her book, Small Wars, Little Revolutions. She earned her M.A. in Teaching from UC Irvine and her B.A. in Literature from UC Santa Cruz.
 
 
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

Let's bridge the gap!
In this debrief episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood dissect their key takeaways from recent interviews with creative educators. The episode kicks off with reflections on a conversation with Dr. Jim DeVivo, a drama educator, and delves into the impact of theater and improvisation in the classroom. They discuss how theater provides a unique space for students who may not fit into the conventional social groups at school, such as sports or academics, allowing them to express themselves and flourish creatively. The pair also explore the conversation with Kristen Lehman, who introduced the concept of twice-exceptional learners and mathematical artistry. She emphasized the importance of fostering curiosity toward students' unique perspectives, which often leads to a deeper understanding of content.
The episode continues with insights from their discussion with Fuat Ramazanov, a university educator who has been integrating chat GPT-3 into his classroom. Burnett and Worwood ponder the implications of AI in creative education and how it can serve as an aid in brainstorming and idea generation, despite its limitations in judgment and evaluation. 
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

What are the potential risks and benefits of allowing students to use tools like chat GPT for their assignments?
 
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, Fuat Ramazanov joins us to discuss the intricate balance between human creativity and artificial intelligence (AI) in the modern classroom.  Fuat advocates for the pivotal role of teaching students to value and understand human creativity as a foundation before exploring the realm of AI-generated creativity. He brings an innovative concept that reimagines education through three lenses: teaching for AI, about AI, and with AI, professing that both creativity and AI are pivotal skills for the 21st-century knowledge economy. Fuat shares his teaching methodology, incorporating generative AI into the curriculum as a co-creative brainstorming tool. By encouraging students to create AI Personas and develop informed prompts, Fuat initiates open dialogues and brainstorming endeavors, which serve as the cornerstone of his pedagogical approach.
About Fuat Ramazanov:
Fuat is the director of the International Business Management Program at the Acsenda School of Management, a private post-secondary institution in Vancouver, Canada. He is an advocate of experiential learning and teaching for and about creativity. As an adult educator, he is passionate about using innovative approaches to teaching that stimulate engagement and learning and boost confidence and creativity in his students. He is a doctoral student at the University of Calgary, with research focused on exploring undergraduate students’ perceptions of the intersection between human and artificial creativity throughout the creative process. Fuat believes that when we talk about artificial intelligence, we should discuss how to use it for creativity along with ethical and other aspects. This is because the output produced with the help of artificial intelligence is co-created. Fuat believes that much like fostering creativity in education, where there is teaching with creativity, for creativity, and about creativity, there should be teaching for AI, with AI, and about AI.
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

In what ways can creativity be infused into mathematics education, especially for students who may not naturally gravitate toward math?
 
In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, host Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett speak with Kristin Lehman, Director of Educational Services at Hewitt Learning. Kristin discusses the concept of twice-exceptional learners, shedding light on the unique challenges and attributes of such students. She shares insights into identifying and supporting these students, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing their creative potential to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive academically.
The conversation also delves into the concept of "mathematical artistry," sparked by Kristin's exploration of combining math and art. She highlights the potential for integrating math concepts into creative activities to engage students in a hands-on and tangible way, promoting understanding and appreciation for mathematical principles. Kristin also provides valuable tips for educators, emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity across various disciplines, encouraging curiosity, and embracing interdisciplinary learning. The episode offers practical insights for educators and parents looking to infuse creativity into teaching and learning to better support students with diverse learning needs.
About Kristin:
Kristin Layman, an eclectic learner with a rich background in mathematics education, currently serves as the Director of Educational Services at Hewitt Learning. In this role, she implements innovative strategies to enhance learning experiences for all students. With a master's in Math, Kristin's approach goes beyond conventional teaching methods, embracing creativity, innovation, and the interdisciplinary concepts. As a co-founder of the Independent Innovator Challenge and a key contributor to the US National Innovator Challenge, she is committed to encouraging young minds towards innovative thinking. Additionally, Kristin's work as a SENGifted Model Parent Group facilitator reflects her dedication to supporting the holistic growth of Twice Exceptional children and their families. Her diverse interests and commitment to education highlight her role in shaping adaptive and inclusive learning environments.
 
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!
 
 

What is the connection between theatre and creativity?
In this dynamic and insightful episode of the "Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast," hosts Drs. Matthew Worwood and Cyndi Burnett welcome the award-winning expert in youth-driven theater, Dr. Jim Devivo. The trio dives deep into the transformative role of theater techniques in the classroom, discussing how these techniques not only help students become comfortable with public speaking and expression but also foster an environment where creativity flourishes. Jim shares the intriguing idea of the classroom as a theater, expanding on how storytelling and engaging students in physical space can create a conducive learning experience. Together they explore the significant impact of theater training on effective communication and why students, especially in their high school years, can benefit from acting classes.
Matthew recounts a compelling audition anecdote from his time at the Guild Hood School of Music and Drama, which sets the stage for a discussion on improvisation and its role in developing students' quick thinking and creative problem-solving abilities. Cyndi reflects on the difficulties of encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones and shares a heartening story of a reluctant participant’s transformation. Highlighting strategies to support shy students, Jim provides practical advice and emphasizes the creation of low-pressure participation opportunities. To conclude, the episode provides Jim Devivo's top three tips to promote creativity in the classroom, emphasizing the power of diverse perspectives, student involvement, and the magic of embracing silliness. 
About Dr. Jim Devivo:
 Dr. Jim DeVivo is a specialist in youth-driven theatre. He teaches middle school and high school theatre for Holmdel Township Schools and is an adjunct professor with the Program in Educational Theatre at NYU. For 15 years, Jim produced the New Jersey Young Playwrights Festival for which he received a NJ Governor’s Award for Arts Education and NJ Theatre Alliance Award of Excellence. He continues this work through an online platform called the Young Playwrights Guide. Jim has a B.F.A. in theatre and English and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Educational Theatre from New York University. He lives at the Jersey Shore with his wife, Bridget (also an award-winning theatre teacher), and together, they direct a troupe of three children and one pug… some of whom take direction well.
Eager to bring more creativity into your school district?Check out our sponsor Curiosity2Create.org and CreativeThinkingNetwork.comWhat to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school? Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to understand how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter!