I sit here on Labour Day long weekend thinking about the upcoming school year. Last spring and just last week, I've begun to learn about "genius hour". From my understanding it is passion-based learning that originates from certain companies in the US, who have tried this with their employees. They take one hour a week where the employees can take the time to investigate, learn, and explore whatever topic interests them. It has greatly improved morale within many companies.
This idea has now entered the classroom in North America, and it appears it's worked with much success. The idea is to give students the chance to explore an interest they have, as they formulate inquiry questions regarding a topic that they have a passion for. I've read about how a couple of teachers have been using genius hour in their classroom in Surrey. Some students who have previously show little interest in the orthodox academic subjects, "light up" when genius hour comes around. They are encouraged to research their inquiry question and then present it a way they would like.
So when I heard about this idea, I thought it would work brilliantly with the Montessori philosophy. This would give students the choice to pursue their passion, their interest. As Montessori teachers we need to try and light the "fire" in students. This "fire" encourages them to wonder and pursue more knowledge.
I still have so many questions that I hope to have answered before I try this with our class. How do you "set it up"? Some students know what they're passionate about even before they enter the classroom. Many though, have trouble knowing what interests and inspires them. This is understandable, as many adults even have this challenge. How do I help lead students to create a fulfilling and meaningful inquiry question that excites them? What learning outcomes can I relate this project to? What scaffolding do I need to have for the students to ensure the greatest chance for success? I want to make sure that I've taken the time to think these questions through before I begin this project.
There is a constant stream of information via Twitter that can be found at #geniushour. There is also a monthly chat every first Wednesday of the month. There is one next week, which I plan on attending. Hopefully some of these questions can be answered. I'm really excited about this project! I will try and document what I learn on here.
-Mr. Neumeyer
This idea has now entered the classroom in North America, and it appears it's worked with much success. The idea is to give students the chance to explore an interest they have, as they formulate inquiry questions regarding a topic that they have a passion for. I've read about how a couple of teachers have been using genius hour in their classroom in Surrey. Some students who have previously show little interest in the orthodox academic subjects, "light up" when genius hour comes around. They are encouraged to research their inquiry question and then present it a way they would like.
So when I heard about this idea, I thought it would work brilliantly with the Montessori philosophy. This would give students the choice to pursue their passion, their interest. As Montessori teachers we need to try and light the "fire" in students. This "fire" encourages them to wonder and pursue more knowledge.
I still have so many questions that I hope to have answered before I try this with our class. How do you "set it up"? Some students know what they're passionate about even before they enter the classroom. Many though, have trouble knowing what interests and inspires them. This is understandable, as many adults even have this challenge. How do I help lead students to create a fulfilling and meaningful inquiry question that excites them? What learning outcomes can I relate this project to? What scaffolding do I need to have for the students to ensure the greatest chance for success? I want to make sure that I've taken the time to think these questions through before I begin this project.
There is a constant stream of information via Twitter that can be found at #geniushour. There is also a monthly chat every first Wednesday of the month. There is one next week, which I plan on attending. Hopefully some of these questions can be answered. I'm really excited about this project! I will try and document what I learn on here.
-Mr. Neumeyer