John Spencer – Medium

John Spencer

The Problem with Focusing on Rhetoric

I believe in the power of language. As a writer, I immerse myself in words. As a researcher, I pick apart phrases. I nerd out on…

Aug 7, 2019

Aug 7, 2019

Published in

Creativity Illustrated

The Surprising Truth Behind Creating and Consuming

It’s easy to pit creativity and consumption against each other. However, critical consuming is vital for creative work. When you engage in…

Feb 27, 2019

The Surprising Truth Behind Creating and Consuming

Feb 27, 2019

What Our Rescue Dog Taught Me About Life, Learning, and Creativity

I wasn’t always a dog lover. I used to be a dog-liker and most of the time a dog-tolerator. I never understood why people would get bumper…

Jan 7, 2019

What Our Rescue Dog Taught Me About Life, Learning, and Creativity

Jan 7, 2019

Taking Choice Menus to the Next Level for Student Ownership

Recently, I asked my students (pre-service teachers who are currently in their practicum) about the ultimate goal of education. Some…

Nov 28, 2018

Taking Choice Menus to the Next Level for Student Ownership

Nov 28, 2018

Published in

Creativity Illustrated

Why Balance Is Critical for Creative Work

Earlier this week, my friend George Couros wrote a wonderful post about seeing the value in balance and it had me thinking about the role…

Nov 9, 2018

Why Balance Is Critical for Creative Work

Nov 9, 2018

What a Really Challenging Statistics Class Is Teaching Me About Productive Struggle

I’m sitting in front of the computer blinking, ready to press the “submit” button; knowing that if I missed this problem, the progress bar…

Nov 4, 2018

What a Really Challenging Statistics Class Is Teaching Me About Productive Struggle

Nov 4, 2018

Why Every Teacher Needs a Mastermind Group

I’m about two-thirds of my way through my doctoral program and it’s beginning to get more challenging. I’ve spent hours working through…

Oct 22, 2018

Why Every Teacher Needs a Mastermind Group

Oct 22, 2018

Three Ways to Boost Collaboration in Student Projects

We’ve all been there before when we were students. You’d hear the dreaded words “group project,” and immediately begin calculating the…

Oct 18, 2018

Three Ways to Boost Collaboration in Student Projects

Oct 18, 2018

Seven Things That Happen When Students Share Their Work

When my middle son was in the third grade, he volunteered to share a joke with a big audience at a family camp. As I watched him standing…

Oct 1, 2018

Seven Things That Happen When Students Share Their Work

Oct 1, 2018

What Can This New Reality Show Teach Us About Creativity in the Classroom?

I’m a huge fan of Parks and Recreation because of a surprising element: being earnest. Yes, the show is goofy and the city of Pawnee can…

Sep 6, 2018

What Can This New Reality Show Teach Us About Creativity in the Classroom?

Sep 6, 2018

John Spencer

John Spencer

My goal is simple. I want to make something new every day. Some days, I make stuff. Other days, I make a difference. On a good day, I get to do both.

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