Partnership for 21st Century Skills

The partnership for 21st century skills is undoubtedly an interesting and informative way of creating a holistic view of 21st century teaching and learning that combines 21st century student outcomes. Some of these are blending of specific skills, content knowledge, expertise and literacies, with innovative support systems. This will in turn, help students master the multi-dimensional abilities required of them in the 21st century. This website is very resourceful, as it has helped me to understand the necessity for the three Rs and the four Cs in education. It came home forcefully to me how important critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation are, and should always be incorporated in the teaching and learning process in the classroom. There is no doubt that the four Cs are essential for student academic and professional success in the 21st century.

I agree that schools must move beyond a focus on basic competency in core subjects to promoting understanding of academic content at much higher levels by weaving 21st century interdisciplinary themes into core subjects. These themes, such as, global awareness, financial and economic literacy, civic literacy, health literacy and environmental literacy are all important factors that contribute to the overall development and success of each student. However, I do not totally agree with the statement that “there is a profound gap between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school, and the knowledge and skills they need in typical 21st century communities and workplaces”. While I agree that it might be true in some instances, not all schools or classrooms are far off in teaching skills necessary to equip students to be successful in 21st century communities, and create social change in society.

The implications for contemporary educators are to create changes in the way we think, in order to be creative in instructional practices and incorporate more technology based learning materials and tools that are current and engaging for 21st century students. To be effective in the 21st century, students must be able to exhibit a range of functional and critical thinking skills related to information, media and technology.

The overall rating for this site is five out of a possible 1-5 rating scales, with five being the highest. I find the site to be user friendly and give many links to very valuable information for teachers. This site has also helped me to be better able to assist my students in developing not only career skills, but adequate life skills, as well. Students should be able to develop flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-direction, social and cross-cultural skills, productivity and accountability, leadership and responsibility.

Blogs in the Classroom

A blog is used to discuss topics for students and the community, build communities, publish students’ work, create forum for collaboration and build a body of knowledge. I believe a blog is an excellent way of stimulating discussion. One idea of using a blog for my grade 10 Information Technology students is to have them participate in the blog by posting their comments on a topic that was taught in class. In addition, I can review and give feedback at a convenient time, and the students can give their feedback, as well. For example, I can ask students to look at software, and discuss their findings on the blog. It is a good way of having students post issues that might not be clear to them and need clarification. Blogging encourages participation from a global community, which lends itself to gaining knowledge from different perspectives. I can also post additional resources, such as books and websites so that students can do additional reading. The blog might also help to clarify issues and answer questions that students might be afraid to ask in class.

The blog’s main purpose is to create a better communication link between the teacher and students outside the classroom, in a more student friendly environment. It is not grounded to time and location, and is a very good place for students to interact about content, and share learning with the larger community. Students can also display their work and have, not only the teacher, but also students comment on their work.

A blog is a good tool for instructional context as it motivates students to learn and have a better appreciation for what they are learning. It also helps students visualize with technology, in the real world, while learning about it. Blogging is an easy way of posting assignments and deadlines, and an excellent way of getting parents involved in what their children are learning. Students will get an opportunity to have fun while learning.

Technology in the Classroom

Teachers have been teaching, and students have been learning. With this in mind, teachers must find ways of teaching things differently, and teaching different things. The society has evolved, and technology has advanced. Students are technologically savvy and therefore, teachers need to incorporate technology in the teaching and learning process. Children are on the computers, iPods, iPads, MP3 players, and so many more gadgets every day. Wouldn’t it be better to use these gadgets to teach the curriculum? I am sure they would love it.

Teachers need to explore the instructional technologies available and make the best use of them in the classroom. Children are always fascinated with new things, so let us try to change the way we do things to enhance learning.