Professor, doctor, expert on creativity, whatever you call him, James C. Kaufman, Ph.D., knows the subject of creativity about as well as anyone. As a psychologist, Dr. Kaufman has been studying and writing about creativity for many years, and is currently a professor of educational psychology at the University of Connecticut.

James C. Kaufman, a psychologist whose research focuses on creativity, hypothesizes that the power of tarot cards to jumpstart creativity lies in their ability to stimulate “associational thinking.” That’s what happens when the brain tries to synthesize multiple distinct inputs, forming associations between ideas that, at first, seem unrelated.

Podcasts often succeed because they convey authenticity and use vulnerability to create a sense of intimacy with the listener. They also find ways to make sometimes-abstract concepts feel relevant, often by using storytelling techniques. There’s a hook in the beginning, usually the story of a person. “It builds empathy and humanity,” say Kristi Kaeppel, a graduate assistant in the department of educational leadership at UConn.

Adults have more access to informal learning opportunities than ever before, says Robin Grenier, associate professor of adult learning at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education.

A new study of the educational needs of students who are native users of American Sign Language (ASL) shows glaring disparities in their treatment by the U.S Department of Education. The article, “If you use ASL, should you study ESL? Limitations of a modality-b(i)ased policy”, by Elena Koulidobrova (Central Connecticut State University), Marlon Kunze (Gallaudet University) and Hannah Dostal (University of Connecticut), will be published in the June, 2018 issue of the scholarly journal Language

Ronald Beghetto is interviewed about his new book, “What If?”

Dr. Yvonne Condell, who taught biology at M State, Fergus Falls, in the early 1960s, was honored June 23 with a humanitarian and philanthropic award from MSUM, where she was a long-time faculty member after leaving Fergus Falls.

Greenwich Public Schools’ (GPS) world languages program coordinator Viviana Conner has accepted a position with the Hartford Public Schools as the executive director for elementary and middle school grades, effective July 13.

Morgaen Donaldson, a professor at the University of Connecticut, said the initial buy-in followed by pushback isn’t surprising, pointing to her own research in New Haven. To some, aspects of the initiative “might be worth endorsing at an abstract level,” she said. “But then when the rubber hit the road … people started to resist.”

Eastern Middle School (EMS) Principal Ralph F. Mayo was unanimously named Interim Superintendent of Schools, effective July 28, the Greenwich Board of Education announced. Mayo was selected during a special meeting of the board and will replace exiting Superintendent Dr. Jill Gildea.