Inquiry and Innovation in the Classroom: Using 20% Time, Genius Hour, and PBL to Drive Student Success

by A.J. Juliani

Careers in the 21 st century are changing, but traditional education methods are not preparing students for these new jobs and demands. In this thought-provoking book, esteemed educator A.J. Juliani describes how we need to modify our classrooms to instill in students the drive for inquiry and innovation that they will need to succeed beyond school doors. Juliani reveals the ways that teachers can use Google’s 20% Time, Genius Hour, and Project-Based Learning to make students more creative, inquisitive, engaged in learning, and self-motivated—the kind of people we need to move society forward! He offers easy ways to implement these ideas while meeting the Common Core and still allowing plenty of time for content instruction.
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As Juliani emphasizes, if we want our students to change the world, we must change our classrooms to foster inquiry and innovation.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Professional Development, Nonfiction

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Melissa Espiritu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so this book got better toward the second half. At first he sounded like a repetitive cheerleader making the same talking point about passion and purpose. Plus I wasn't too keen on his very pro-capitalist, fulfilling our American Dream understanding of the purpose of education. When you learn about the school-to-prison pipeline or the way schooling has historically been used to erase cultures and languages, it's hard to see schooling as solely something that is there as a vehicle to help you achieve your potential. To me, there needed to be a deeper critique as to why the way we teach now is problematic and doesn't always support learning. But his only vision was toward the future, like our way of teaching is now outdated for the job market.
And important point, but not the only reason why inquiry methods are important.
But I really appreciate that he actually posted unit plans and examples from his own classroom and the classrooms of people he collaborates with. It gives me a sense of the many possibilities for implementing 20% time or genius hour. I also really like how he sounds like one of us. By that I mean, someone in the classroom interacting with students on a daily basis that understands what it's like to be in the classroom. It reads like a book I could have written with one of my colleagues if we are given enough time to gather some research together and organize our thoughts in a logical way.
Still, the book is a little skimpy, hence the 3-star rating.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the most well-written book I have ever read, but the concepts are awesome. This is one of those books that I will look back at as one that helped shape my teaching philosophy and the way I approach my class and push them to learn. The ideas go hand-in-hand with Mindset, by Carol Dweck--another book that changed the way I view things--where we encourage kids to reach for the stars with independence and inquiry, using their inherent inspirations and interests, and learning all the way by embracing failure and reflection. This almost feels entirely contradictory to the current ways in which we assess children as data points in classrooms that look and feel a century old. I'm loving this movement and hoping it catches fire.

[Amanda Coak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been reading chunks of this one over the past week, and I have a few praises and a few critiques.

Praises:
- Inspiring. It got me thinking a lot about projects my school could be adopting in Guidance.
- I loved the rubrics, and I think I may adapt one to use with my leadership class this year.
- Some helpful examples of projects included.

Critiques:
- I felt like WAYYYYYY too much of this book was justification of why teachers should use 20% time. I didn't really need to be convinced that much. I just wanted more of an idea on how to adapt my classroom. I feel like I understand the importance, and I'm on board, but I didn't really like the author's example handouts. I'm still sort of scratching my head on what this would look like at the high school level.
- Felt gimmicky at times. Also - comparing a school to Google or a tech company ultimately turned me off.

This was helpful, but I wanted more from it. Am I missing something here?

[Krista]

Definitely some good nuggets of ideas here -- I enjoy how it divides some sections for elementary and secondary instruction. Many PDs seem to blend the application components and neglect to note the different nuances in instruction based on the level of learning.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether or not an educator aspiring to include 20% in the classroom, A.J. Juliani's insightful book provides honest, practical help for increasing student and school 21st century inquiry opportunities. Project-based, personalized, innovative practices are outlined along with very recent examples from A.J., A.J.'s colleagues and colleagues I recognize from my Twitter PLN. I personally like the book for its discussion on getting students to see (and eventually own) real-world applications while thinking more deeply through inquiry-based research. This can be read in one sitting and provides useful supplementary resources I'll be preparing this summer!!

[sara blomquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inquiry has my vote!

IF you are a teacher, then this book has been written to challenge the way you think about teaching. We as teachers need to teach our students the valuable lesson of learning to love learning through curiosity and creativity. This book gives you a wonderful guide on how to turn the table on time spent in the classroom. well worth the read. Convicting.

[Jane Van Hof · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good starting point for thinking about implementing "Genius Hour". But, content is repetitive and not entirely practical. Still, it offers some resources for connection to other educators and thinkers.

[KJ Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reignited my excitement for returning to the classroom. I’m going to recommend it to my principal to read, and I plan on implementing more inquiry driven learning into my classroom this year. If you work in education, this book is worth reading.

[Atul Mathur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a educator but I immensely enjoyed and relate to several things book talks about. If I was one, I would definitely look at many things more favorably.

[Patrick · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think I like the topic, but I very much dislike the framing and sales pitch. The author didn't explain his topic of Genius Hour well, instead trying to "sell" the topic over and over by saying we should be like tech entrepreneurs, and that the same reasoning would motivate our students. He used the same couple of examples multiple times, using hardly any concrete examples of what kids actually did with their time besides "innovate" and be free. He instead said to go check out these other people's blogs who actually give examples.

I did like some examples and the world problem informing activity the author did with his class. The idea of autonomy and passion driving student engagement is important. I just need to read a better book that acknowledges the difficulties on that road beyond just saying you're a bad teacher if you don't have "faith" in his process.

Plus, he used a quote from Edutopia (The George Lucas Education Foundation's website about how apathetic teachers need to use technology) that totally changed part of a quote from a Linda Darling-Hammond book excerpt to claim that her research said magic inquiry teaching does more than student background when it really said inquiry-based teaching helps children of all backgrounds. Pretty important difference. Pretty lazy fact check of a dishonest ideological word switch.

Here is the link to the good excerpt which shows a broader range of inquiry-based activities than full 20% time and has a much more professional tone. This helped me.
http://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/edutopia...

[Bernadette Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative book that explained the benefits of using Genius Hour in the classroom and its connections to the Common Core. I was hoping for more direction on getting started in the classroom and how it might look at the intermediate level.

[Elizabeth Jackson Queiroz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book if you agree that grades will not determine your students' future ability to keep a job but creativity will. This book will show you ways to inspire kids to create and innovate now in their schools and communities though simple programs like Genius Hour and 20% time.