What would you do if your job let you work on any project that you wanted for 20% of your time? You could pick anything involving your passions, which are sometimes forgotten in this world. This has become known as Genius hour. Genius hour, also known as 20% time, has become popular in businesses and schools. For a brief introduction, see the video to the right. | |
Seniors graduate high school and are forced to pick a college major right away. People are finding that students don't know what they are passionate about because they are too often forced to read the assigned books and complete the assigned projects, without ever having any real choices.
This year, I decided to implement genius hour into my 8-week, Intro to High School Writing class. First, I introduced the idea with the above video and initial assignment sheet:
This year, I decided to implement genius hour into my 8-week, Intro to High School Writing class. First, I introduced the idea with the above video and initial assignment sheet:
My stipulations for the project are: learn something, do something more than just a research paper, and keep a weekly blog where you can reflect, set goals, and talk about your project.
On the first day, I sat down with each student and talked to them about their interests. Some students quickly decided on their projects while others took a little longer. Many used their first blog post to brainstorm their ideas and narrow them down to one passion project. Here are some examples I gave them:
On the first day, I sat down with each student and talked to them about their interests. Some students quickly decided on their projects while others took a little longer. Many used their first blog post to brainstorm their ideas and narrow them down to one passion project. Here are some examples I gave them:
Students have some really cool project ideas. While two students are concentrating on learning about historic battles and forgotten people, others are making their own brand. To the right, you can see Oliver working on his new circus trick. A few students are creating different fundraisers like a flag-football tournament or a ping-pong tournament. One student is going to teach us about NASDAQ and the market. There are a few mixtapes being made, and a couple of students learning how to video edit. A student is researching spinal injuries, while another is deciding what type of cleat is best for soccer. Someone is writing his own fiction pieces, while another is going to film a chase scene with a drone. One student is building a desk, while another is designing and building his "perfect" high school. One is even trying to make the perfect ping-pong paddle. In about 6-7 weeks, we will present our projects and findings to each other. Hopefully we will learn about many different subjects that can also fuel some new passions. | |
Genius hour allows students to find their own passions.
Genius hour allows for student choice.
And these are two things I am passionate about.
These are our stories!
If you would like to look at any of their blogs...we love comments! click here.
Genius hour allows for student choice.
And these are two things I am passionate about.
These are our stories!
If you would like to look at any of their blogs...we love comments! click here.