As an educator, I found the web site of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills very informative and motivational. The mission of this organization is “to ensure every child’s success as citizens and workers in the 21st century”. Through various resources, educators can see the need for changes in the schools. This organization gives us the tools and ideas needed to implement this. In viewing the DVD, “Skills for the 21st Century”, Dr. David Thornburg (2008) explains the seven skills necessary to prepare our students for the changing workforce. These range from “information literacy” to “leadership”. He also goes on to explain more specific skills and dispositions such as “creativity and innovative thinking” and “lifelong learning”. The website of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills has incorporated assessment tools, recommendations, and the framework for educators to implement these 21st century skills into the classroom. What a great site for educators!
The Snapshots that are included in the website are very impressive. A Brooklyn school referred to as “PS 24” focuses on conflict resolution. Fourth and fifth graders are educated on learning to be a peace helper. They become trainers in problem solving. It was great to see older kids teaching younger kids how to resolve conflicts. Through discussions and drawings, kids that are struggling with this are able to learn ways to deal with their emotions.
An article entitled, Schools That Work: How You Can Do It explains that a Houston charter school called YES Prep has extended the school day to provide more learning time. There school times are from 7:30AM-4:30 PM five days a week. They also offer Saturday sessions and summer sessions. I do believe that more instructional time sounds like a great way to teach the necessary skills to the students and prepare them for college and the demanding workforce. However, I see some drawbacks to this as well. I worry that such an increase in the school day would cause my students to lose focus and motivation. Through hands-on and group activities, I do try to engage my students in lessons that are fun and exciting. However, by the end of the day, some of my students are lacking enthusiasm. I also think that children need to have time with their families outside of school.
In the article, “Learning for the 21st Century”, it states “Students need to learn how to use 21st century tools beginning in elementary school to take full advantage of the vast array of research and multimedia resources, digital content, and communications options available to them”. This website is a great tool for me to use when integrating technology into my fourth grade classroom. There is such a large amount of material to cover throughout the year. This site incorporates this material into a curriculum that is necessary for the 21st century learner.
References:
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). A report and mile guide for 21st century skills. Washington DC: Author. Retrieved November 25, 2009 from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/downloads/P21_Report.pdf
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (2004).Tucson, AZ. Retrieved November 25, 2009 from http://www.21stcenturyskill.org/
Thornburg, D. Skills for the 21st Century (Laureate Education, Inc. 2008).
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Extended days may not be the answer. Educators need to reconsider how they teach. In education, students have been "groomed to be independent thinkers and problem solvers" (Laureate Education, 2008). Students are assessed on individual performance. "...in the modern world, in work, things are largely done by teams, and so in education, we need to think about preparing students intensively to collaborate" (Laureate Education, 2008). Educators need to exchange the old lesson plans for new ones that not only address core content but teach it by using 21st century skills. In other words, teachers and students need to work smarter and not necessarily harder. As an educator myself, I hesitate to change my lessons because I teach in such a test-driven district. Test data matters and it does not measure 21st century skills. Where is the balance?
ReplyDeleteLaureate Education, Inc. (Producer). 2008. Skills for the 21st Century [Motion Picture]. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society. Baltimore: Author.
My district is test-driven as well. "The 21st Century Skills" don't seem to be a priority. I am trying to slowly incorporate many of these skills into my lessons. However, I have so much to cover and my time is limited. Many times, I feel very overwhelmed. I agree with working smarter, not harder. What a great attitude!
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