What's "Genius Hour"?
Genius Hour is an opportunity for students to explore their own passions and showcase their creativity through the use of their own chosen applications through their chosen devices. During classroom learning time, there will be a set period of time where students will be able to work on anything they would like to, ensuring it is related to education. (Kesler, 2013)
As Genius Hour is used within the learning environment, it is of high importance to ensure reflection is constant - to reflect on whether or not students are actually learning or progressing during this hour. According to Carter (2014) there are 6 essential points raised from Genius Hour:
As Genius Hour is used within the learning environment, it is of high importance to ensure reflection is constant - to reflect on whether or not students are actually learning or progressing during this hour. According to Carter (2014) there are 6 essential points raised from Genius Hour:
- Dual Teacher Role - There will be valuable 1:1 opportunity time with students as this is a quite structure, individual activity.
- Learn about Students - Students' individual thought processes can be evident as this activity is self-paced, their motivations and skills, as well as prior knowledge will be evident during this hour.
- Culture of Collaboration Development - As students prefer to work individually, some will be encouraged to work in groups in order to result more efficient project results. Student's providing feedback to one another can encourage self-motivation as their friends can give them positive feedback.
- Interactive Learning Environment - Through the use of different technological devices, students will be able to take advantage of the online environment. Online discussions can be held through the use of forums, for student ideas etc.
- Flexible Pacing & Structure - Mini checkpoints can be created to help benchmark student projects to help them ensure that they are on the right track for their projects. Their projects are not given a due date very closely, as they are encouraged to go through it at their own pace.
- Authentic Assessments - Regular progress checks can be made with the use of their mini benchmark, checkpoints, and through 1:1 student, teacher time, their progress can be checked (Carter, 2014).
"Genius Hour" Lesson Example
At the introduction of "Genius Hour" (possibly at the beginning of the term) students will be given the opportunity to create a brainstorm with all the different ideas they would love to work on for the rest of the term. They will not be required to share their final idea at the end of the lesson as they will be provided with plenty of time to think thoroughly about their focus idea.
After a few "Genius Hour" lessons (probably around 2 lessons), students can create a poster for their main idea. They can begin researching information or brainstorming different ways they would love to present their ideas. This will continue, their 'Benchmark' Or 'Check point' marks can be reflected through the use of cameras or folders/personal diaries to mark their progress.
After a few "Genius Hour" lessons (probably around 2 lessons), students can create a poster for their main idea. They can begin researching information or brainstorming different ways they would love to present their ideas. This will continue, their 'Benchmark' Or 'Check point' marks can be reflected through the use of cameras or folders/personal diaries to mark their progress.
References
Carter, N. (2014). Genius Hour and the 6 Essentials of Personalized Education. Edutopia. Retrieved 1 November 2016, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/genius-hour-essentials-personalized-education-nichole-carter
Kesler, C. (2013). What is Genius Hour? - Genius Hour. Genius Hour. Retrieved 1 November 2016, from http://www.geniushour.com/what-is-genius-hour/
Carter, N. (2014). Genius Hour and the 6 Essentials of Personalized Education. Edutopia. Retrieved 1 November 2016, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/genius-hour-essentials-personalized-education-nichole-carter
Kesler, C. (2013). What is Genius Hour? - Genius Hour. Genius Hour. Retrieved 1 November 2016, from http://www.geniushour.com/what-is-genius-hour/