The idea of Genius Hour isn't new. The origins can be traced back to Google where developers are encouraged to take 20% of their time to work on something new and different. They are encouraged to spend time being passionate about something unrelated to their current work. This idea of genius hour is now making its way into schools. Imagine a classroom where students are encouraged and supported to engage in their own learning...can you just see the light bulbs turning on and the motivation skyrocketing?
Genius hour supports the idea of voice and choice; a classroom where students drive their own learning and a final product that serves as an assessment of their learning. Why aren't more classrooms using this model--It takes too long? It's hard to manage? How do students get graded? We need to be looking for reasons to incorporate this into our classrooms, not excuses about why it doesn't work.
I have the opportunity to work with a talented group of students this year. Students who think differently and outside the box. Instead of calling it ALPS (Advanced Learners Programs and Services) I think it should be Genius Hour. For an hour a week I get to help students find their passion. If they get stuck, projects are available to them. Choose your own adventure.