This week, as I was browsing through some twitter feeds, I clicked on a link that led me to a framework for 21st century learners. I really thought this was a really great illustration of what it means for students to grow throughout their school career. Below is the info-graphic:
“The P21 Framework represents both 21st century student outcomes (as represented by the arches of the rainbow) and support systems (as represented by the pools at the bottom).” (p21.org) In other words, the top section is what we hope students can learn from those areas listed and the bottom part would be the systems and tools used to create a platform for those actions to happen. All of them interconnect and if used properly should really help all students succeed.
The student outcomes listed include many of the methods we have been learning about in our other courses as well as SSED307. From the bottom, the rainbow graphic shows that the development and mastery of subjects; (reading, writing, ELA, Math, Science, etc….) are the foundation of what we want our students to know think about and understand. Using the 4c’s (critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication, the students will learn what it means to work as a team and think outside the box. Moving to the right, implementing the knowledge and use of technology and other innovations, will contribute to students progressing in learning how to effectively use these items to enhance what they know and how to present, expand or transpose what they are learning. In the process of collaboration and integrating technology, the students learn more about life skills and how to effectively connect with other people. This is the hope anyway.
So how do you create and environment to thrive in a 21st Century classroom? I believe the Essential Standards as well as State Standards are the bedrock and foundation to beginning to improve the student’s environment. Further down the rung of the picture, curriculum and instruction are next. It is imperative that the teacher understands the curriculum (NCPTS 3 Teachers Know the Content They Teach), knows how to deliver it in an interesting and engaging way as well as meet the requirements of the standards to ensure the student is understanding the content. This can prove to be a very tough job, but it is possible, obviously. In order for teachers to improve upon their methods, they will need to spend time in Personal Development (PD) to build upon their knowledge as well. This correlates with NCPTS 4: Teachers Facilitate Learning for Their Students. This is something I am really digging into more and more as I progress toward being a teacher. Learning environment is the last portion. Creating a workspace for your students to explore, learn and be encouraged is important to student development as well. Making sure you have plenty of opportunity to read, research, create, and collaborate with one another is important. When all of these are in relation to one another, our students will have a great place to thrive and learn.
Ben,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, let me say that it is obvious that we are preparing ourselves for the 21st century learner. As Dr. Parker reiterates, our students could potentially be born in 2011. Thinking back to 2011, the biggest piece of technology we had was the iPod nano. Every step we take has a direct effect on how well we tend to our students. It is good to see you taking the appropriate measures to seek out that research on what we can do to accommodate our students. And it may seem irrelevant, but as you mentioned, learning environment can make or break a student! Especially if there is a mental or emotional roadblock that is inhibiting learning. Good blog post!
Ben, Great find. These standards really do a nice job of framing where teaching and learning should be. Keep on increasing your understanding here so your instruction can be the most effective!
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