Description:

Motivation has been a hot topic in education, especially since the pandemic. We offer rewards. We punish. And still some students react to both with apathy. In his work on motivation, author Daniel Pink says that those traditional motivators are only effective in a “narrow band of circumstances” and frequently “destroy creativity”. To get the best of anyone they must have autonomy, mastery and purpose. Enter Genius Hour. Students can research any topic, learn any new skill, read any book, advocate for any cause or create any product provided that it relates to the target language and goes beyond the curriculum. When students can pick what they care about, it’s incredible what they can achieve.

Objectives:

This workshop will cover the origins of Genius Hour projects as well application in a language classroom. Participants will be provided with templates, rubrics and sample projects. There will also be discussion time for how to best apply for different target languages and grade levels.

Amy Bernard Mason has been teaching Latin in New Jersey public schools for 20 years, currently at Ridgewood High School. Her degrees are in Classical Languages and Literature (BA, University of Southern Maine) and Learning Design and Technology (M.Ed. Saint Mary’s University) as well as further graduate studies in Classics at Rutgers. In addition to teaching she serves on the American Classical League merens committee, chairs the National Latin Exam outreach committee, and chairs Awards for Excellence Through Classics.

Presented by: FLENJ Teacher of the Year 2023