The Interest-Based Learning Coach: A Step-by-Step Playbook for Genius Hour, Passion Projects, and Makerspaces in School

by Jeanne H. Purcell, Deborah E. Burns, Wellesley Purcell

Overview

Many educators appreciate the value of interest-based learning, but struggle with the management and facilitation of individual and small-group projects in a limited space and time allocation. This easy-to-read guide:

• Features a step-by-step plan for managing Genius Hour, passion projects, Makerspaces, and more.
• Includes time-saving planning templates, checklists, and charts.
• Supports students' intrinsic motivation for learning, agency, voice, and problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Provides a systematic and practical approach to interest-based learning.
• Can be implemented and adapted by an individual teacher, department, or team.

Chapters also include techniques for helping students identify their interests, frame their goals and questions, create project plans and timelines, self-assess their progress, and share their work with real-world audiences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646320196
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/30/2020
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	8.25(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jeanne H. Purcell, Ph.D., completed her B.A. at the University of Hartford in British literature, and 2 years later she finished a master's degree in urban education. In 1993 she completed a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut.

Deborah E. Burns, Ph.D., earned her B.S. from Michigan State University, her M.S. degree from Ashland (OH) University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut. In September 2018, Deb celebrated 45 years of delightful and diverse experiences within the education community.

Table of Contents

Foreword vii

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Interest-Based Learning and Its Counterparts 9

Chapter 2 Ensuring a Strong Foundation 19

Chapter 3 Vision Making and Sharing 31

Chapter 4 Measuring the Impact of Interest-Based Learning 39

Chapter 5 Finding Interests 65

Chapter 6 Focusing Interests 77

Chapter 7 Developing an Action Plan 93

Chapter 8 Finding and Managing Resources 109

Chapter 9 Research, Development, and Design 119

Chapter 10 Developing Real-World Products 135

Chapter 11 Engaging Authentic Audiences 143

Chapter 12 Reflecting, Debriefing, and Celebrating 151

References 157

Appendix A Case Studies 161

Appendix B Background Research and Theories 169

Appendix C Interest Surveys 173

Appendix D Product Finder 189

About the Authors 197