Teaching Creativity as a Process of Learning to See with Dr. Keith Sawyer

What if creativity doesn’t start with inventing new things, but with learning to see and interpret the world differently?

 

In this engaging episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood sit down with Dr. Keith Sawyer, a leading creativity researcher, jazz pianist, and professor at UNC Chapel Hill. The conversation centers on Sawyer’s new book, Learning to See, which explores the idea that true creativity begins with learning to notice, perceive, and interpret the world—and oneself—in new ways. Together, they unpack how artistic and design educators approach fostering creativity, often avoiding the very word itself, instead focusing on guiding students through iterative processes that develop their ability to “see” and think critically. Keith shares insights from more than a decade of interviews with art and design professors, highlighting the deliberate, teachable practices and mindsets that underpin creative achievement.

 

The discussion broadens to consider how these principles translate across disciplines, from the arts to the sciences and humanities. The hosts and Keith emphasize the importance of process over outcome—encouraging experimentation, feedback, and reflection as keys to creative growth. The episode also delves into the concept of “studio talk,” where educators model their own thinking and decision-making out loud, providing students with a window into expert creative processes. Listeners will come away inspired to infuse their teaching with opportunities for personal transformation, risk-taking, and iterative exploration, regardless of subject area. Plus, Keith offers a preview of his upcoming book focused on personal creative transformation, making this episode a must-listen for educators and creativity enthusiasts alike.

 

About the Guest

Dr. Keith Sawyer is the Morgan Distinguished Professor of Educational Innovations at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A globally respected scholar, he has authored more than a dozen books on creativity, learning, and innovation, with work featured in Time, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. His research bridges the arts, education, and the science of creativity, drawing on his unique experience as a jazz pianist and improviser. Dr. Sawyer’s passion is helping educators, organizations, and individuals unlock creative potential by rethinking not just what we make, but how we see. His latest book, Learning to See, explores teaching and learning inside top art and design schools—and the lessons we can apply across all disciplines. He also hosts The Science of Creativity podcast.

 

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