📘 Purchase Your Copy of The Future Creative: 10 Actions for Fueling Creativity in Education
What do your students learn when things don't go according to plan?In this sixth episode of the Summer 2026 Listen and Learn Series, Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett explore Action #6 from The Future Creative: Model Creative Behavior.
The episode begins with a personal story about a classroom technology problem that turned out to have a surprisingly simple solution. What could have remained an embarrassing moment instead became an opportunity to model something far more valuable than a perfectly delivered lesson.
Matthew reflects on how our first reactions to mistakes can shape the learning experiences of those around us. Rather than hiding errors or pretending everything went smoothly, educators can use these moments to demonstrate reflection, persistence, and problem solving. By thinking out loud, acknowledging assumptions, and showing how they work through challenges, teachers give students a real example of what creativity looks like in practice.
The episode also explores why modeling matters. Students pay close attention not only to what educators say, but also to how they respond when things go wrong. Every unexpected setback becomes an opportunity to demonstrate resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
Rather than striving for perfection, this episode encourages educators to embrace the everyday moments that reveal the creative process in action.
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