Improvisation and Spontaneity in Teaching
1st Edition
Published on 5. February 2026
Book
Hardback
223 pages
978-1-0364-6637-4 (ISBN)
Description
When most people hear the word improvisation, they picture jazz musicians riffing, comedians ad-libbing, or actors recovering from a missed cue. But improvisation is everywhere-in hallway conversations, team meetings, last-minute lesson changes, and unexpected student questions. It's the art of responding in real time, adapting to the moment, and co-creating something new.
This book invites educators to recognize what they're already doing-and to go further. Grounded in research on spontaneity, creativity, and cognition, it makes the case that teaching is improvisation. More importantly, it shows how intentionally applying improv principles in the classroom can deepen student engagement, promote critical thinking, and build a more responsive and dynamic learning environment.
From foundational theory to practical strategies, this book equips teachers to turn improvisation from a survival skill into a transformative teaching practice.
This book invites educators to recognize what they're already doing-and to go further. Grounded in research on spontaneity, creativity, and cognition, it makes the case that teaching is improvisation. More importantly, it shows how intentionally applying improv principles in the classroom can deepen student engagement, promote critical thinking, and build a more responsive and dynamic learning environment.
From foundational theory to practical strategies, this book equips teachers to turn improvisation from a survival skill into a transformative teaching practice.
More details
Language
English
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-0364-6637-4 (9781036466374)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Brad Garner serves as the Digital Learning Scholar in Residence on the National and Global Campus of Indiana Wesleyan University, USA, where he also teaches in the Graduate Psychology program. Before transitioning to higher education, he worked as a classroom teacher, school psychologist, and administrator in P-12 education-experiences that continue to shape his holistic approach to teaching and learning.
Garner's professional journey has been defined by a deep commitment to instructional excellence and innovation. His exploration of improvisation and spontaneity in this book reflects an enduring passion for discovering new, research-informed ways to engage and transform learners.
His previous works include Engaged Learners and Digital Citizens: Critical Outcomes for Teaching and Learning (2016), Teaching Students to Become Digital Content Curators: Fact or Fiction? (2019), and Inclusive Hospitality in Online Learning: Design, Deliver, and Discover (2023).
Garner's professional journey has been defined by a deep commitment to instructional excellence and innovation. His exploration of improvisation and spontaneity in this book reflects an enduring passion for discovering new, research-informed ways to engage and transform learners.
His previous works include Engaged Learners and Digital Citizens: Critical Outcomes for Teaching and Learning (2016), Teaching Students to Become Digital Content Curators: Fact or Fiction? (2019), and Inclusive Hospitality in Online Learning: Design, Deliver, and Discover (2023).