Almost genius
During the almost genius hour students of all levels are empowered to explore their own passions. The almost genius hour allows students to spend 20% of their time to explore any interest’s they may have. The activity encourages creativity, imagination and foresight into their lives and passions.
The author introduces the 20time project first by pointing out that employers such as Google would give their employees time to work on their pet projects. By giving their employees freedom to work on these projects that they enjoyed Google found that they were producing creative practical and lucrative products and services. The author then explains that if given the time students would have the opportunity to solve real world problems through working on a 20time project of their choice. This offers the student freedom to learn through self-led projects. Plus, the great feeling of accomplishing something that the student never thought would be possible is priceless. The book is informative, practical and inspiring.
Tinker Tale 2
The discussion with the Imaginit group went well. Everyone shared their celebrations and their concerns. Every teacher in our group was giving the project their all. Even if it meant putting in extra time and effort. Each instructor had good advice for everyone in the group and was trying new ways to keep the students on track and keep them motivated. I shared my concerns with the group about motivation issues. After mulling over the advice I received I sat with a small group of my students at my school and I told them that with freedom comes responsibility and that this personal project will become more memorable to them than any assignment they will have in high school. I told them that when you learn something you care about you will never forget it especially if it helps someone or changes something for the better. This little pep talk was all that was needed to get them back on track.
I ended the discussion with Dan Pinks excellent TEDTalk about The Puzzle of Motivation. In it, Pink discusses the paradox of incentives: rewards and punishments that work best. Not only did the students get a new perspective from the TEDTalk, but overall they got really motivated and energized to give it their best.
I ended the discussion with Dan Pinks excellent TEDTalk about The Puzzle of Motivation. In it, Pink discusses the paradox of incentives: rewards and punishments that work best. Not only did the students get a new perspective from the TEDTalk, but overall they got really motivated and energized to give it their best.