Podcast #157 - Could the Google 20% Principle Work in the Classroom?
Hello. Today's podcast is a carcast in which I discuss the possible use of Google's 20% principlein the classroom. How would it work and would it be possible. Just some random thoughts to start off the new school year.
Eric, What you're describing sounds very similar to "History Day." The Minnesota Historical Society has some great resources if you would like to find out more: http://www.mnhs.org/school/historyday/teachers.htm
Because of pure laziness I need to ask you a question. How are you getting the odeo player on your blog. It is nice and compact and better than what I am using. Thanks in advance.
As a secondary school teacher, I think that this is a really interesting idea that is certainly worth pursuing. A more rigid version of this is quite common in schools in the form of 'negotiated projects', however asking the students themselves "You can dedicate one lesson a week to learning something that you are really passsionately interested in. What will it be? How can I help you in this topic?"
We all know that kids are more learn a lot more when they themselves see a purpose or have an intrinsic motivation for it, so why should we not leverage this to everyone's advantage?
Hi, As a secondary teacher (and also someone who has followed Google closely) I think that this is a really interesting idea that is worth pursuing.
When we realise that virtually all the Google services including Gmail, Maps, Froogle, Google news, etc have come from Google employees' 20%, one can quickyl realise the potential if we offered to our students for them to study whatever they were most intereested and passionate in for one lesson a week.
We all know the million studies out there, as well as personal experience, to know that students learn best and knowledge is retained for longer when they see a purpose and when they are intrinsically motivated.
We, as teachers, need to frame this option in a manner that allows them to follow their passion if they so desire, and if they don't can default to something like a 'negotiated study' for those students whose creativity is limited at the start of such a program. No doubt, once a few people begin to see the fruits of their self-directed learning, than their other peers will begin to have ideas of their own.
Just a few more ideas to get this discussion going...
I am using a modified version of this idea in my history classroom. Each of my students were assigned a character on a notecard at the start of the school year. I use these cards to randomly change seats and to call on students. They are creating a historical "myspace"page with this character. I am allowing computer time for this activity every Friday until it gets done. Your idea ignited a good time frame in which I could get this done while still teaching the content.
Eric,
ReplyDeleteWhat you're describing sounds very similar to "History Day." The Minnesota Historical Society has some great resources if you would like to find out more: http://www.mnhs.org/school/historyday/teachers.htm
Because of pure laziness I need to ask you a question. How are you getting the odeo player on your blog. It is nice and compact and better than what I am using. Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteAs a secondary school teacher, I think that this is a really interesting idea that is certainly worth pursuing. A more rigid version of this is quite common in schools in the form of 'negotiated projects', however asking the students themselves "You can dedicate one lesson a week to learning something that you are really passsionately interested in. What will it be? How can I help you in this topic?"
ReplyDeleteWe all know that kids are more learn a lot more when they themselves see a purpose or have an intrinsic motivation for it, so why should we not leverage this to everyone's advantage?
Hi,
ReplyDeleteAs a secondary teacher (and also someone who has followed Google closely) I think that this is a really interesting idea that is worth pursuing.
When we realise that virtually all the Google services including Gmail, Maps, Froogle, Google news, etc have come from Google employees' 20%, one can quickyl realise the potential if we offered to our students for them to study whatever they were most intereested and passionate in for one lesson a week.
We all know the million studies out there, as well as personal experience, to know that students learn best and knowledge is retained for longer when they see a purpose and when they are intrinsically motivated.
We, as teachers, need to frame this option in a manner that allows them to follow their passion if they so desire, and if they don't can default to something like a 'negotiated study' for those students whose creativity is limited at the start of such a program. No doubt, once a few people begin to see the fruits of their self-directed learning, than their other peers will begin to have ideas of their own.
Just a few more ideas to get this discussion going...
Martin
I am using a modified version of this idea in my history classroom. Each of my students were assigned a character on a notecard at the start of the school year. I use these cards to randomly change seats and to call on students. They are creating a historical "myspace"page with this character. I am allowing computer time for this activity every Friday until it gets done. Your idea ignited a good time frame in which I could get this done while still teaching the content.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Grapvevine, Texas