Genius Hour / 20% Time

 

Genius Hour, also known as 20% Time, is a concept utilized by companies such as Google, 3M, and others.  These companies allow their students a certain percentage of their work week (ex: 20%) to work on something they are passionate about, as long as it is an attempt to benefit the company, employees, etc...  During this time, employees are able to take a change on a big idea they have, get time to work on something they believe can be successful, and work on something they are truly passionate about.  This concept has been carried over into education with excellent results.  In Daniel Pink's book, titled Drive, he explains that the three main factors required for intrinsic motivation are: autonomy, purpose, and mastery.  He then explains why this 20% Time concept is effective at attaining this type of environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When applied in an educational setting, the 20% time concept allows students to identify their passions, become passionate about learning, LEARN HOW TO LEARN, develop self-directedness, feel free to take risks, plan, design, and create projects for authentic audiences, and attempt to make an impact on the world as they learn.  There are so many reasons that Genius Hour and 20% are beneficial.  In our opinion, every student in the world deserves to experience this concept at school.  It is the perfect tool to reach every student, teach students to learn how to learn, personalize education, empower students, and develop a large number of "teachable moments".  Please feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions regarding this concept.  Our PLN is connected with some of the pioneers in this field including Kevin Brookhouser, A.J. Juliani, Joy Kirr, Paul Solarz, Gallit Zvi, Denise Krebs, and more.   Students deserve this!