Genius hour is a concept that enables students to discover their passions at the same time encouraging imagination in the classroom. It offers students an option through which they get to learn through self-exploration during an arranged period of time in school. How this concept originated, will be difficult to ascertain but there are two theories doing the rounds regarding the same.
One theory has it that the concept emerged from the fact that Google asked its employees to work on their favorite projects utilizing 20 % of their overall work time. It was revealed that half of its major projects such as GoogleNews and Gmail were created during Genius Hour. The intent was to let people work on projects that interest them, expecting productivity as well as efficiency to go up. Another theory says that it emerged through the book Drive written by Daniel Pink.
The use of Genius Hour in education
Ignitepad recommends that the same concept of motivating students to do what they like similar to the corporate employees will yield the desired results with respect to learning. A teacher can instruct the students to work on their favorite topics, subjects, or projects in a set period of time. The students during Genius Hour will start researching and creating new things based on the topic which they will later share with the class. Creativity is tested in a limited time. The teacher should keep tabs on the students and their projects and facilitate the mission.
The autonomy that students gain during the Genius Hours compels them to give their best. Teachers create lifelong learners and Genius hour is the extension of that practice.
For younger kids, activities like Sketching, online music classes, dance classes, piano classes, or even coding classes can be given as the option to explore their talent during Genius Hour.
What are the essentials of implementing Genius Hour in schools?
Face-to-face interaction
For teachers, Genius Hour is more about face-to-face interaction as some students may require help or coaching while others may want to be left alone to explore things of their interest. The teacher should provide a structure and explain it well to all students and then let it be a self-paced activity for better results. Once they are on their own, the teacher can check one-on-one frequently. Genius Hour is one of the best ways to let students, during coding classes, explore their abilities.
Know your students well
It will help if the teacher knows their students well before commencing the session. A little detail like their individual developmental levels, the category of learners they fall under, and how well the student has the basic prior knowledge on the subject, etc. This is required because the teacher has to play the roles of both adviser and coach.
Culture of collaboration is necessary
The practice of Genius Hour requires as well as promotes the culture of collaboration. The teacher must foster the team spirit in the students and make them understand how a team effort can improvise their project and make it better.
The concept of Genius Hour can be included in any professional or hobby courses apart from academics. For students participating in digital marketing courses, collaboration is a must. Working as a team improves their ability to accept opinions and deliver as per the requirement.
An interactive learning environment is important
It’s imperative to have an interactive environment. Students must be encouraged to indulge in brainstorming sessions. They must be asked to speak on their projects or topics. Discussions between groups of students working on various projects must also be encouraged after the completion of the projects. Ignitepad offers a Public Speaking Course and Spoken English Classes for students who hesitate to speak.
Assessments
The assessment by the teacher must be as authentic and passion-driven as the enthusiasm shown by the students in working on their innovative projects. If they know that the assessment lay ahead of the session they will demonstrate more passion and work harder to be different due to peer pressure. Although it is not some kind of a competition or a rat race, giving a fair judgment will motivate many students to do better than they generally will.
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