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.

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.

• 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

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.

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.

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.