Now, genius hour includes regular one-on-one conferences, biweekly goal-setting and self-evaluation. Upon completion, students share what they learned in a class presentation. Kirr and a colleague ...

That’s the premise of “genius hour,” a growing trend in which teachers set aside time for students to work on a research or service project of their choice. Educators say it’s a chance not ...

Students at Wenonah Elementary are wrapping up another successful year of their year-long Genius Hour initiative.

and she is exploring the craft through the Genius Hour offered in teacher Melanie Craig’s class. Gray worked hard researching and putting together a PowerPoint presentation on what she has learned.

That’s where “genius hour” comes in. Using this teaching practice, teachers set aside about 20 percent of class time each year (often weekly) for students to learn about whatever interests them. By ...