20% Time and Student Reaction

So, the results are in! We had our first 20% time. Here is the narrative below and some resources for those who want to try.

I started the year with, "We always ask you (students), 'What do you want to learn this year?' and then get too busy to do it...so, here is your opportunity to do it". Eyes widened. "Could he be serious?" The students looked around, wondering if I was really willing to give that control back to the masses. I was, and I did.

This past Friday I gave a brief introduction to my students and followed with a video. I followed with passing students out a plan sheet. Then, I gave them half of the class to brainstorm. I was channeling my inner "design-thinking" guru. The ideas that came out BLEW me away:

-A beginner's guide to Fortnite, for Spanish speakers
-The evolution of medicine in the Spanish-speaking world
-A Spanish-language cast album of "Oliver" the musical
-How-to art tutorials, in Spanish
-Inventions to solve water pollution for Spanish speaking countries
-A Russian to Spanish dictionary

The list goes on and on. Time is short and precious for us, the educators. So, here are my lessons for you innovators:

1. Be comfortable admitting to students that you are "building the plane while flying it".
2. Don't say no to any idea but rather, "Yes...let's explore". The "yes, and..." improvisation rule.
3. Feed the innovation fire. Encourage and be in wonderment of student ideas. This will NOT be hard.
4. Do NOT overplan. (I'm taking this one to heart).
5. Sow the seeds across your building and build excitement. It's contagious.

Finally...

6. Have fun. This was the first time in SO many years that I had JUST as much fun as the students, and the students had JUST as much fun as me. The journey carries on. Follow along :).

Until next, innovative time
-Scott

*Click the links above for resources from me to you!