With Common Core and the ever-increasing rigors of standardized testing being at the forefront of educators' and parents' minds, it gives me hope to read about "Genius Hour" and "20% Time" - and these seem like perfect opportunities to draw on the talents of the school librarian. If I was a classroom teacher planning to implement "Genius Hour" with my students, I think I'd have the kids brainstorm on paper about topics they're interested in and want to learn more about, then I'd work with the librarian, including some class time spent in the library/lab, guiding kids toward information sources on their topics of interest. I can't think of much that would be more thrilling to a kid than telling him or her, "learn about anything you'd like."
When I was in graduate school, I had a professor for my Emergent Literacy class who gave us the first twenty minutes of each class to free read - with the caveat that it had to be from a (long) prescribed list of books covering topics on early/emergent literacy and early childhood education. I always valued this time and the quiet, thoughtful start to class that it provided. While "Genius Hour" isn't quite the same, I think a focused autonomy in learning is a wonderful idea, one that is likely to increase productivity during and after the "hour."
DIY PD is something I think most devoted professionals are constantly doing informally, provided said professional works in a field of his or her own interest. Personally, I'm always reading book reviews to see what to purchase for our consortium; I read School Library Journal not because I have to, but because I like staying abreast of new developments and educational practices. My husband works with computers and is always, always learning more about his specialty.
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