#SAMedchat Archive
#SAMedchat is a an excellent interactive forum that discusses the latest in trends, strategies and issues relating to the exciting world of education and school leadership! Please join us on Thursdays from 7 pm to 8 pm, MST!
Thursday September 8, 2016
Welcome to ! Our topic tonight is Genius Hour. Please take a moment to introduce yourself: name, role, and location.
Hi everyone! Crista Anderson, Dixon school principal. Glad to be here for a great topic!
Hi Crista! Welcome back to !
Kirk Miller, SAM Exec excited to have MT educators share with each other at
Welcome Kirk! I'm glad you are able to join us today
Chat will be the standard Q1, A1 format. Include on every post.
Question 1 is on its way…
Friends! If you are around, jump over to to talk genius hour.
Little Experience, here to learn from everyone connecting to
I hope you are able to glean some things from tonight!
A1: We started doing genius hour at our school last year. 4 Ts took it on...
If you are not seeing the questions for the chat… Look at 's timeline for them, and retweet. Twitter is glitchy :P
Thanks for your help - Tech - it's a love/hate relationship :)
Question 2 coming in one minute…
As instructional coach, I was able to support teachers in implementing genius hour in the class. Now building background w/staff
A1: As instr coach, I was able to support teachers in implementing genius hour in the class. Now building background w/my staff
How many Ts did Genius Hour in your schools?
No worries, & welcome! We are having tech difficulties here at ...
A2: Genius Hour opens up possibilities for voice and choice in the classroom. Independent, self guided learning… With support
a2: In my limited experience, Genius Hour inspires Ss to use a ton of creativity skills to solve real world problems.
Voice and Choice - Yes! We need to make sure Ss are assisting in their education!
Inspiration sparks creativity
Exactly! Real & relevant experiences that ensure transfer of skills & knowledge beyond the school walls. https://t.co/6WxdvHDR0L
Voice and Choice - Yes! We need to make sure Ss are assisting in their education!
Sorry need to include to participate in the correct way!
No worries - It's our first chat of the year - we are getting the wrinkles out...
Bridgett Paddock in Billings, MT. I love Genius Hour!
Welcome to the conversation! Jump in anytime :)
A2: Ss buy In and engage when given a chance to direct their learning...builds trust and community.
Hi , how have you used it or seen it used?
Great points - this all leads to building relationships
Question 3 coming in one minute…
I tried GH in my 10th ELA classroom last spring-loved the results.
Great job! Would love to hear the details about the length of unit and the strategies to engage Ss https://t.co/62e3K7nPQv
I tried GH in my 10th ELA classroom last spring-loved the results.
Being in El Ed - I am curious how this looks at the HS level too!
Covered 1 full semester. Every Wednesday to work on it. Finished w/a TED Talk. https://t.co/3VcEWjt76B
Great job! Would love to hear the details about the length of unit and the strategies to engage Ss https://t.co/62e3K7nPQv
I tried GH in my 10th ELA classroom last spring-loved the results.
A3: Complex problems require complex solutions. Encouraging GH inspires problem solving and HOT skills. https://t.co/FuK42Usgor
A3: I think answered this one earlier - It allows voice and choice, and students are empowered & inspired to learn!
Completely agree… And true at all levels of education. From our youngest to our grad students. (Even PD!) https://t.co/0lPEURwD3t
A2: Ss buy In and engage when given a chance to direct their learning...builds trust and community.
Sounds really interesting in an ELA environment. I am sure the projects were great! https://t.co/Y7ZPivWlPH
Covered 1 full semester. Every Wednesday to work on it. Finished w/a TED Talk. https://t.co/3VcEWjt76B
Great job! Would love to hear the details about the length of unit and the strategies to engage Ss https://t.co/62e3K7nPQv
I tried GH in my 10th ELA classroom last spring-loved the results.
Yes! We are able to go deeper w/Ss & they are part of the learning/decision making process
A3: By introducing and supporting a strategy like Genius Hour, you model risk-taking, and learn with your staff. Builds culture
Learning w/your staff - so powerful
Genius Hour and the 6 Essentials of Personalized Education | Edutopia (a favorite resource) https://t.co/oLjFfv4oxT
Student buy-in = engagement, meaningful learning, potential for great success. https://t.co/VYCFNUTYr4
Yes! We are able to go deeper w/Ss & they are part of the learning/decision making process
It just doesn't make sense to not attempt GH in the ELA classroom.
Question 4 coming in one minute...
Thank you for the great resources!
A4: I would show them students doing Genius Hour - have them observe, ask, participate in the process
A4 Backup w/research-based rationale along w/direct connections to curriculum standards.
Well for this to work I have to spell the hashtag correctly!
https://t.co/vCVXGbFkYb
A4: Explain to them that GH helped Google develop gmail as well as many other products we can't live w/o.
ALWAYS be solid in your rationale! 😊
Take them right to the beginning of GH!
Question 5 coming in one minute…
A5: I plan on doing Teacher Genius Hour starting next week. We will start with an "I wonder" board...
Ans 4: Like concept of Genius Hour, modeling risk-taking, and learning with staff In order to build culture in schools
A5: will be doing GH along w/my Ss 2nd semester.
Strong Culture = Innovation w/ Students :)
A5: Give our District leaders permission (& encouragement) to think creatively in helping all Ss succeed.
Fingers crossed that this will go well - risk-taking at its finest
I feel you do a great job doing this ! https://t.co/Sh8KOYPYQ8
A5: Give our District leaders permission (& encouragement) to think creatively in helping all Ss succeed.
Nothing great can happen w/o risk. Good luck! https://t.co/GSQUjL1bv7
Fingers crossed that this will go well - risk-taking at its finest
It only works when we have leaders with the courage to try new things (even when they may fail.) https://t.co/c3gSkpHN7X
I feel you do a great job doing this ! https://t.co/Sh8KOYPYQ8
A5: Give our District leaders permission (& encouragement) to think creatively in helping all Ss succeed.
Sorry for disappearing...losing the home/school/chat balancing act ;) I'll check back soon! Keep tweeting!
I feel fortunate having you both as Sups!
Thank you for all your help and input tonight!
