Learning Activity 8-2
Reflect on at least three benefits of Genius Hour or 20% Time.
I think the biggest benefit is the creativity, and freedom given to students to forge their own learning paths. I think this is great for students who are naturally creative, and motivated. Another benefit is that students would be able to collaborate and connect with other students with like interests. I have a few students who like to write stories. On their own time, they get together and write creatively in one shared document. The third benefit would be the reflection piece of the project. I would be interested to see what students felt they learned from the experience in their own words and what they would keep or change about the project.
Identify at least two potential hurdles or obstacles (curricular and/or stakeholder) and how you may address them.
The first hurdle that came to mind was the ability to motivate each student to work independently on their projects. The students that would potentially waste time would miss out on the experience and earn a low grade. I would feel that this would be a waste of time for students. However, I would like this to enrich students who would fly on their own. The second hurdle I foresee would be grading the assignment. Although a rubric can be created, how would you grade project that each student or a group of students have created themselves?
I like the 20% time frame to break away from traditional teaching in order give back to students for a creative outlet. If this is done right, I believe it could be highly effective for all students