Over the past week, my thoughts have been consumed by the notion of 21st Century Learning.
Whether it be in classroom conversation with my peers, or through various articles, videos or blogs I have come across, I just can't get enough!
To be fair though, I'm a sucker for these kinds of things anyway. I fact, I'll pretty much get behind any type of innovative curriculum that advocates increased student engagement in the classroom, while championing heightened real-world learning applicability for students. Add to that, the notion that students just might even enjoy the process, and see tremendous value in it!
Really? What's not to like?
Well, after a little more digging (uncovering countless affirmations about the virtues of 21st century learning), I did come across this particularly pleasant article that knocked me a little off balance...
Yes, it will indeed have its detractors, cynics and traditionalists who do not share the same enthusiasm, but enough about that right now.
Like I was saying...21st Century Learning appears to have tremendous upside to me! I don't know about you, but I would much rather go exploring to places I've never been before, rather than stay at home (in my comfort zone).
In fact, I'd be willing to bet that my students would rather join that trip too!
So, sure, that I have spent the past 3 days revisiting my lesson plans, learning outcomes, and teaching methods for my classes next fall, while sharing strategies and discussing these opportunities with my colleagues, who coincidentally, have been exposed to new ideas and recently inspired as well...
You see, we had the pleasure of attending a workshop with fellow educators at Niagara College, lead by Dr. Mark Taylor, a leading Educational Consultant, who works with K-12, and post-secondary institutions across North America. Mark's humour, engaging personality, and (un)common sense, afforded us the opportunity to see 21st Century Learning through his eyes. To say that most of us were transfixed, would be an understatement. Having listened to Dr. Taylor's ideas, stories and strategies about the evolution of K-12 and Higher Education today, using 21st century learning principles (while engaging us in a learning process that used these principles), was simply awesome!
I am a better student, and I am becoming a better teacher, for having been engaged in that learning opportunity.
If you are interested in becoming either, or both, I believe that exploring 21st Century Learning strategies would be of tremendous value to you as well.
Here's an article by Mark Taylor, to get you started.
Enjoy your day,
Brett
Brett,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that Winnipeg article! It was great reading this article from a graduate student at University of Manitoba and I’m glad to see 21st century learning being explored in other parts of Canada. I agree with your comment on exploring the world rather than staying in our comfort zones. Some may be hesitant towards change as we feel a sense of ease when we know what to expect. It definitely requires a sense of adventure and an open-mind. After graduating from teacher's college, I took the plunge and moved to Seoul, South Korea to teach Kindergarten. Let me tell you, it was an amazing (and eye-opening) experience! What is great with current technology and media is that educators are able to bring the world into the classroom and students can interact with it. Relating to our seminar last night, our stories are evolving and I believe that this reform in education can finally benefit students to be creative, problem-solving gurus and hopefully innovators of the future. I’m also glad that you are reviewing your lessons for your classes this coming Fall. You are creating a new story as we speak!
- Tien
I agree with Tien with her assessment of your "creating a new story" in the present. Your eagerness and willingness to explore these concepts and implement into your teaching is inspiring. I also enjoyed the Winnipeg article and the author describes some of what we were discussing in class last evening. As he states: "Perhaps, and it's not novel, excellence in teaching and learning allows students the freedom to think deeply about concepts, something we have been doing for thousands of years." I can relate to this perspective as there are so many platforms to consider it can be overwhelming. However, what an opportunity to explore this in creative ways. It's also encouraging that so many of the digital platforms can engage students who learn best through an active, social process (following the social constructivism learning theory framework). These "ways of learning" can hopefully offer students an opportunity to explore ideas, problem solve and make decisions in new and exciting ways.
ReplyDeleteI applaud classrooms that offer multiple platforms for students (and teachers) to engage in learning while also exploring a broader, cultural framework. By opening our classrooms to new technologies and ways of exploring required content, we simultaneously offer views into other cultures and world views.
Thanks for you sharing your insights and I look forward to learning more about how you are incorporating these elements into your classrooms and how this impacts student engagement. Marisa
Brett: I am so glad that you are on the 21st Century track. Your experiences will be helpful but your attitude of openness will allow you to really move forward. I look forward to more details on HOW you can apply some of the ideas of Dr. Taylor in your own practice. But I also agree with the article that states that good pedagogy is always is good pedagogy regardless. There are many strategies from the old story that stood us well over time and that can be useful still. But we do need to get into the 21st Century as educators since it is 2013! Thanks for including the article. Next time hopefully you can embed the article into the text.
ReplyDeleteBrett,
ReplyDeleteA great post! In terms of student ideology, you and I are on the same boat. Whatever never educational strategy that is being published to help student engagement and benefit their learning needs is an educational strategy that I will definitely get behind. As Susan mentioned, it's great to hear hoe open you are to the education system and that you were just want to see your students succeed and whatever tools are out there, you will try to implement them into your classroom. As you stated, 21st century learning is a new exciting wave for (most) teachers as it not only benefits the students but also the teachers as well. Gives them a wealth of resources and ways of approaching your students, who are very diverse today!
I look forward to reading your future posts!
James