I believe 21st Century Skills are the key for the future. I think children need to learn more of these skills to be able to deal with the future. No one know what things will be like in even five years, but I think if children learn how to use these skills more, they will definitely be more well prepared.
In the first article, Critical Thinking? You Need Knowledge, the author wrote how school had a similar curriculum using 21st Century Skills, starting in the 1910s. The author stated how many methods were tried but none stuck around. But he does say they had an impact. I think this shows these skills need to be taught in schools today. The movements in the 1900s that were tried changed the entire curriculum to these skills, but educators today only want to add them into the curriculum already had in schools. These means teachers are trying to teach these 21st century skills in subjects like math and science, and not take out the subjects completely.
I believe any teacher can use the 21st century skills in their own classroom and adapt it to what needs to be taught, using real life examples and introducing problems and projects that require a group to work on, using their minds for solutions and collaborating.
Whatever the future holds, these skills will always stay with the children without them realizing. They will have an advantage over others in the future. I like how the article, School’s Tap 21st Century Skills, says we need to blend the world of academia and the real world, and not just use one or the other.
I also believe there is room in schools for creativity. Ken Robinson said there is less of it in schools, how they teach children not to make mistakes. But I believe it is okay to make mistakes. I never felt this way as a child or growing up. Even today I need to remind myself of this. But I know as a teacher I would want, need, to instill that in all the students. Mistakes do not mean you are stupid or wrong, it just means you need to try again. And it is better to try again than to give up. I think other creative things can be introduced into a classroom like playing music as students walk in and settle down. Or if it is a long class, to have a minute dance to get the students energy level up. Small things like this, I think, can help students keep more interested and paying attention. Most importantly, it is okay to make mistakes.
I always ask my teachers to show me their lesson plan on teaching critical thinking. How do we teach thinking? Or is it a process we go through? Is it innate? Is it based on confidence and motivation? How do we assess it?
ReplyDeleteI will not be able to teach you about every tech tool you will ever come across but what I can teach you are several universal skills and have you practice them so you hopefully will gain confidence and attempt to use new tech tools when you see a need. Need is purpose. As a teacher you will have control over your classroom with the important task of reaching every single student regardless of his readiness level or needs. You must adjust. Do you have all the training and confidence to use the tools? That is the challenge of all teachers.