My reaction to this website was WOW! I am really excited to see that there is an effort being made to educate our students with the knowledge and skills that they need. Sir Ken Robinson states "Current systems of education are based on the manufacturing principles of linearity, conformity and standardization". A holistic approach to education is exactly what our children need to succeed in our world today.
I found the skills framework interactive tour to be very informative and easy to maneuver. Route 21 "Snapshots" are a great way to get ideas of how to effectively implement this framework into the classroom.
I think the implications for my students and for me as a contemporary educator will be first-rate. My students will be prepared for the work world and the ever-changing environment in which they will be working. My students will have the knowledge and skills to incorporate all aspects of work, society, and life in general into their everyday lives. As an educator, I want to know that I have done everything in my power to equip my students for any environment that they may find themselves in.
Resources
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (2010). Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Retrieved September 28, 2010, from http://www.p21.org
Robinson, K. (2010). Sir Ken Robinson.com. Bring on the learning revolution. Retrieved September 28, 2010, from http://sirkenrobinson.com/skr/bring-on-the-learning-revolution
It is exciting to see that there is a movement across the states that involve teaching the 21st Century Skills. However, it is also surprising to read that the Partnership for 21st Century Skills was organized in 2002 and it involves only a few states. Since the “economic, technological, informational, demographic and political forces have transformed the way people work and live,” it would seem that more “schools, businesses, communities and families would be taking steps to adapt to the changing conditions that are accelerating at an increased rate”. Bridging the gap should be a concern if we want students to be prepared for the future workforce. Providing students with an education that builds on the way they live and learn is relevant.
ReplyDeleteApplying 21st Century Skills into the curriculum should be the vision for all educators. It should not be considered in a way that adds more onto the teaching day. Teaching 21st Century Skills should be thought of instead as changing the way we teach that provides students with essential skills.
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). A report and mile guide for 21st century skills. Washington DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/downloads/P21_Report.pdf. (26, September, 2010).
Emily, as I read through your post and the 21st Century Skills website, my mind keeps going back to what are we doing to prepare and accomplish the guidelines? Was your state on the list for state initiatives being implemented? Mine was not. Part of me recognizes we must have more education and political leaders who value our push towards preparing this generation to compete within a global society, but also recognized the economic crisis our nation is going through. Where is the balance we have to find to accomplish developing 21st Century students? Many questions with no simple answers. I'm doing my part in developing the skills and abilities within myself to then pass on these skills to my students. I also need the support of local, state, and federal leaders.
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteAs I read your post I felt that your response to the website was similar to my own. I have already been working on incorporating the 21st Century Skills into my curriculum to help ensure my students are ready for the work force and society they will be entering. I saw in your Bio that you are currently working on a program to help students stay tobacco free. I am wondering if these 21st Centruy Skills are able to fit into this presenation skill. I know you probally work with large groups of students at a time but I am wondering if you include any of the Communication and Problem Solving skills into your program. I think it could be beneficial for students to be presented with these skills both inside and outside of the classroom.
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same as you and gearing up our students for the future. You seem like you teach middle level students like myself? It is very hard for students to think about the future when they are just trying to figure out who they are as an individual and as a learner. You said you are going to use the skills framework in your classroom to help guide your students. How will you know if it is being effective or not? How will you know that by June you have prepared your students to best that you could for the "real world"? I still ponder these questions every day and I teach 7th grade.