Passion Projects

NOTE: This strategy is part of the self-paced Customize the Learning Experience Course

Empowering learners to develop the knowledge and skills of your course by exploring their interests is a powerful approach. It can increase student engagement and motivation, it can help students see the relevance and real-world application of what they are learning, and it can provide opportunities for students to develop and showcase their strengths and talents.

Teachers can weave student interests into learning experiences by providing choice in assignments or projects, incorporating student-selected materials or topics, using examples or case studies that relate to student interests, and allowing for opportunities for students to explore their own passions and interests within the curriculum. This can lead to a more personalized and engaging learning experience that meets the needs and interests of individual students

Bright Spots

Gain inspiration from authentic examples of this strategy shared by teachers who have used them with their learners.

Creating your own Bright Spots? Let’s get them out into the world! Share yours here.

Genius Hour

4th grade Dual Language Teacher at Jackson Avenue, Daniela Rodriguez leverages Genius Hour to give her learners the opportunity to explore their passions and make a difference in their community. Photo credit

Genius Project

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At Sage Creek High School in Carlsbad, CA students work on a multiple-year genius project that is student-chosen and is designed to help learners follow their passion, make an impact and challenge themselves to learn something new.

Resources

Inspired? Use the resources below to bring this learner-centered strategy to your learning community.

📖 How to Implement Genius Hour in Your Elementary School Classroom
📖 Ideas for Genius Hour in the Secondary Classroom
📖 🎧 7 Reasons to Pilot Genius Hour Projects
🎧 Podcast – The ROAR: Elementary Genius Hour Reflections

Related Learner-Centered Content

If you found this helpful, try this related strategy:

Learn More in this Learner-Centered Course:

Do you already do this, earn a micro-credential:

Associated Learner-Centered Competencies:

Design with not for:
I co-create learning experiences with students based on their interests, strengths, and passions

Provide Voice and Choice:
I design learning experiences that offer flexibility in process, product and/or pace.