Genius Hour

By. Meredith Biesinger

“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” ~Albert Einstein

Does your school have a “Genius Hour?” Genius Hour is a learning approach where students are guided by their interests, background knowledge, and curiosity to learn.

You might see some similarities of Genius Hour in Gifted Learning programs offered by several schools throughout the country; however, the concept of the Genius Hour is that it’s an hour for all students to participate in less standardized, creative learning.

This hour is less standardized than other traditional learning models. Genius Hour is an open-ended learning opportunity that requires self-direction, passion-based learning, inquiry, and autonomy.

Genius Hour is often considered a response to test-driven and ‘achievement-focused’ climates in public education. Over the years, public schools have implemented a testing-based model for school improvement–of course; you already know this! Students are creating for the sake of creating and doing for the sake of doing, and that’s exciting! Genius Hour allows (actually, it requires) students to explore their ideas and follow their instincts in learning for the sake of learning.

Google It!

Google feels their employees are better motivated by curiosity and passion. They also believe that their employees will be happier, more creative, and more productive, which benefits their morale, productivity, and performance. Genius Hour models Google’s employee practices, where “employees can spend up to 20% of their time working on projects they’re interested in and passionate about.”

The idea is for teachers to engage and empower their students by connecting them with the ideas, content, and opportunities. This allows students to pick something they want to learn more about, do, or accomplish, and then do precisely that following their curiosity through inquiry and research.

Genius Hour IS….

Student-centered

Research and inquiry focused

Authentic

Exciting and Challenging

Personalized

Creative

Purpose-driven

Maker-friendly

Often collaborative and social

Genius Hour is NOT….

Standards-based

Data-driven

‘Free time’ for students

Without any rules or expectations

Less rigorous

Structure-free

Always online -learning

Always technology-based

Out of place in public schools or other formal learning environments

Something to be tested on. Genius Hour is all about student curiosity and autonomy. Ideally, this model will support students in doing their best work and creating something extraordinary!