An elementary, middle, and high school principal, Andrew Jordan oversaw 450 students in preschool-4th grade and 67 faculty and staff at West Carroll Primary School in Savanna, Illinois. During his time as the principal of the school, Andrew Jordan implemented innovative educational programs, such as the Genius Hour, to improve school climate and culture.
Now considered a movement, Genius Hour is an educational approach aimed at inspiring students and increasing productivity in schools. The movement takes its roots from a similar method offered at Google - the technology company permits its engineers to spend 20 percent of their working hours on the passion project of their choosing. Google implemented the protocol with the expectation that productivity would increase, and it estimates that about 50 percent of Google's products, services, and other projects trace their roots to work completed during the time for passion projects.
Here's how Genius Hour works in schools. Educators set aside a period of time for students to pursue pet projects with the goal of inspiring their creativity and helping them cultivate their passions. The students are then challenged to develop a product or idea and share it with their peers, the local community, and beyond. Educators have reported multiple benefits from embracing the Genius Hour movement, including inspiring students to become life-long learners and improved autonomy among participants.
Now considered a movement, Genius Hour is an educational approach aimed at inspiring students and increasing productivity in schools. The movement takes its roots from a similar method offered at Google - the technology company permits its engineers to spend 20 percent of their working hours on the passion project of their choosing. Google implemented the protocol with the expectation that productivity would increase, and it estimates that about 50 percent of Google's products, services, and other projects trace their roots to work completed during the time for passion projects.
Here's how Genius Hour works in schools. Educators set aside a period of time for students to pursue pet projects with the goal of inspiring their creativity and helping them cultivate their passions. The students are then challenged to develop a product or idea and share it with their peers, the local community, and beyond. Educators have reported multiple benefits from embracing the Genius Hour movement, including inspiring students to become life-long learners and improved autonomy among participants.
