The Passion Project: A CBL Reflection Part 1

The Passion Project: A CBL Reflection Part 1

By Monica Champagne

“Definition of passion: a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something”-Merriam-Webster. Isn’t that how every teacher wants their learners to feel when they walk in the classroom?

The concept goes by many names, Passion Project, Independent Study, or Genius Hour and I’ve used them all. This year, I added a new title to our Passion project, Challenge-Based Learning. I must say, when this new initiative was proposed to our staff this year, it took me a while to wrap my brain around the idea. However, I love a good challenge and trying new things in my classes in hopes to inspire greatness in my learners.

Our Passion Project assignment has looked different from year to year and subject to subject, but never have I left it as open-ended and learner-led as it will be this year. I simply proposed the Big Idea of “Passion” to my learners and really have no preconceived expectations of where they will take it from there. Let me tell you, as an educator, that can be a scary place to be. Randy Pausch said it best,  “You obviously don't know where the bar should be, and you're only going to do a disservice by putting it anywhere”. With his motivation leading the charge, so begins our adventure. You can view the lesson here. This lesson is a collaboration of many CISD educators including Sunny Richardson, Blended Learning Specialist and Science Instructional Coach, Nicky Fryman, Teen Leadership, and iExplore educators, Katrina Messer, Kim Goodman, and Lisa Pehl.

At this point, we are only about half way through with this year-long exploration journey. Keep following to see how this lesson evolves and learner solutions to the challenge they created.

In what ways has Genius Hour encouraged creativity in your classroom? Leave a comment below.