As many educators know, the workplace and world around us are moving at a fast-pace. The 21st century has begun, and technology along with critical thinking, communicative work, and creativity are at the forefront. Unfortunately, school still lags way behind. Not only are funds for technology limited, but many of us are focusing on the necessary skills that our students need in today's competitive job market.
Knowing the problem exists and working on a solution to the problem are two different things. However, a coalition has formed to push 21st century skills into the classroom, The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21). Eleven states are listed on the website as agreeing to fuse the 3 R's of education with the new C's (critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation.)
This partnership seems like a great starting point for schools to begin implementing new strategies to teach these concepts. Just glancing at the founding organizations, lead me to believe that P21 is a legitimate organization. Apple, Dell, and Microsoft along with several others are all in on the initiative, which should only stand them to gain by having better qualified employees in the future.
But what does this mean for us as educators? It means we have to step up, put aside excuses, and start doing what is necessary to equip our students. No longer can we depend on rote memorization skills. We have to step away from the textbooks and worksheets and delve into critical thinking and reasoning skills. We have to focus on collaborative and creative work. It means that answers may not be black and white or easy to grade. It might put more work on us at first. But it will be more work for the students as well. The students are also going to have to put in the work and effort. However, we may find that the students are more attentive during our lessons. The students may be more motivated if they feel they have a personal interest in the project. But regardless, our students are going to be better prepared for the workforce, and that is the only thing we should be concerned about.
About Me
- Kim
- I'm a Public School History Teacher. I love to read, travel, and drink Frappe's.
2 comments:
I agree that there needs to be some major changes in our classrooms. We do need to step away from the drill and kill, and worksheets. I have been doing more group projects in my 6th grade class this year. I have been pleased and surprised at how well they respond to this. I walk around our computer lab as they are discussing the research they are finding and putting it together on a powerpoint presentation. Then they share the project with the rest of the class wherein they become the teacher. This school year is coming to a close, but I plan on doing a lot more of these projects next school year. This gives them the opportunity to communicate, collaborate, research, and work as a team. Those elements are all necessary for preparing them for the 21st century.
You make some great points about integrating 21st century skills into the classroom. You mention that at first it will be more work for both educators and students. I am a bit worried about the willingness of students to put in more effort as it seems that the trend with students lately is to put forth less and less effort. Perhaps if they see that we as educators are working harder, maybe they will be more likely to work harder as well. In any case, the most important thing is that we move towards teaching a set of 21st century skills to help our student to be successful.
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