What if schools gave free time to students the way Google does for employees?
That’s an idea University of Lynchburg graduate Kevin Brookhouser will explore in the 2017 Rosel Schewel Lecture on Education and Human Diversity March 23 at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Ballroom.
Brookhouser will speak about “The 20time Project,” an idea popularized in one of his books, The 20time Project: How educators can launch Google’s formula for future-ready innovation. The lecture will explore how schools can emulate Google’s practice of allowing employees to focus on projects of personal interest for 20 percent of their working hours. By integrating this alternative practice, students can meet learning goals while creating powerful experiences that lead to increased motivation, creativity, and divergent critical thinking.
The presentation also will help teachers communicate the rationale of a “20time project” to administrators, parents, and students.
“A 21st century education requires that students be able to problem solve, think critically, and work collaboratively with others,” said Dr. Roger Jones, dean of the School of Education, Leadership Studies, and Counseling. “I believe that Kevin’s presentation will help teachers challenge students in all of these areas.”
Brookhouser is the first University of Lynchburg graduate to serve as the speaker for the annual Rosel Schewel Lecture. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from University of Lynchburg in 1996, followed by a master’s degree in English education in 1998. He teaches project based learning, digital citizenship, and design at York School in Monterey, California. He is a Google for Education Certified Innovator and Certified Trainer, and a National Association of Independent Schools Teacher of the Future. He serves on the board of The International School of Monterey.
