Genius Time

Agency, Protagonism, Voice and Choice, these are not just buzzwords, they're the rocket fuel that propels student learning to dazzling heights! Granting students the power to pursue their passions, whether tied to the curriculum or open-ended adventures has a profound effect on learning culture.

Take the first step, dedicate just one class period to free exploration. Let curiosity be the guide, and watch engagement skyrocket! It's not just a lesson; it's an invitation to an adventure where students become the architects of their learning journey. Brace yourself for a classroom buzz that's electric with excitement and endless possibilities!

What sense of belonging, what level of confidence do students need to have so that they all feel free to pursue an idea in Genius Time?

What skills need to be built, initially, to insure that self-directed learning will grow and flourish during Genius Time?

How can Genius Time support both individual and team based pursuits of ideas?

How might you bridge from one episode of Genius Time to the next, so that students have opportunities to build upon and extend their ideas and work?

Which of your students will jump at this opportunity and which will struggle? Who will be leaders and who will be followers? In thinking about those students, how might you prepare ahead to support their responses?

To what extent do you see your role shifting to guide on the side and/or meddler in the middle?

To what extent do you believe that ‘teaching others’ is an effective way to assess mastery? What opportunities does this present going forward?

Check out the below resources:

WATCH: Discovery Mindset

READ: What School Could Be by Ted Dintersmith

READ: Edutopia’s “Standards-Aligned Genius Hour”