Assessing and Improving Student Achievement with Technology - Genius Hour

      Genius Hour Reflection

      The Genius Hour idea was a new concept for me and after going over the USF resources, I can say that the Genius Hour refers to a student-centered learning trend that not only allows students to explore their own initiatives but build confidence, creativity and knowledge in any subject.  On True for Teachers podcast, A.J. Juliani recommends that teachers must guide the process of getting into the genius hour task by asking students to define what they want to learn and what they are going to make. Along with this, students should explain why and how they can get to the desired learning goal. I like the concept of the Genius Hour for the reason that students learn on their own motivations and they need to be able to identify and apply different strategies to answer their own questions. The Genius Hour also embraces the development of learning skills for the 21st century that is the 4C’s: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. In short, the Genius Hour practice purposely inspires learning in a meaningful context and empowers student’s self-learning.

      In my own experience of Genius Hour, I chose to explore on how I can become a Google Certificated Educator. I enjoy exploring the Google tech educational tools and finding ways that can facilitate and enhance student’s learning processes. Additionally, I wanted to learn something that not only will be applicable to my teaching career but to my personal life, as well.  The Genius Hour helped me to articulate the steps that I needed to follow in regard to pursuing my Google Certificated Educator goal, getting proficient on G Suite tools for integrating technology in my instruction and in my personal projects. I believe that the Genius Hour promotes the habit of continued learning from our own motives.  

      I see myself implementing the Genius hour in my teaching by giving students opportunities to explore their own interests on what they want to learn because Genius Hour is fun to do, it opens curiosity and encourages continuing developing learning. I will look forward to studying more on how to implement the Genius Hour in my instruction. I also find the Genius Hour very beneficial for my personal interests because it can drive me to accomplish projects that I had in mind from a long time ago such as creating a vegetable garden in my backyard.

     In general, I enjoyed the Genius Hour assignment because one can say that in Genius Hour learning takes place by setting up goals, exploring topics, redefining concepts and creating new ways to solve problems and innovate ideas.