Google 20% Day

     We have all heard about the google 20% rule...giving employees time to work on ideas that interest them. Obviously it's much more than that, but we can take the basic principle and run with it in our classrooms. In addition, we have been reading of more examples of teachers re-creating this experience in the classroom. Therefore, Bob and I decided to have a "google 20%" day in which students could research and explore topics that interested them or work on creating something. This was our first time running this kind of day so we thought it would be good to document the experience. We are excited to share video footage of this experience, but also some bulleted observations:

• Being able to come up with ideas that capture their learning is a skill that needs practicing. 
• Students really have a wide range of interests...they are more dynamic than we think they are.
• We noticed kids struggling to make the connection between research and expression. 
• We noticed a number of students already so engrained to be a "cog in a wheel" that they felt lost. 
• A number of students have a story/background that could drive a ton of learning. Stories can provide so much of the "Why" in the learning process. 
• Instead of expanding the process, we feel students just need more opportunity and practice at asking questions and finding ways to become involved in what interests them. Keeping things small early on will be our theme! 
• Sad Comment: Too many students don't know what interests/excites them. 

Here is a video reflection of the day!

HMS 1st Google 20% Day from Mr. Malefyt on Vimeo.