2 Taking the Classroom to the 21st Century!

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.