There is so much conversation about 21st century learning and learners. As a principal, I want to ensure that I empower my teacher with the opportunities that they can develop their skills in our schools to best meet the needs of students for both now and the future. How do I do this though? What are are the skills that I need to help my teachers access in the future, and what skills do I need as a principal. Unfortunately, many seem to associate “technology integration” with 21st Century skills, but this is only a component.
So instead of writing a post about it, I would love to hear your thoughts? It would be great to share this resource with others on what skills educators will need in the classroom.
Here is what I am asking for:
- Share what you do as an educator (administrator, librarian, teacher, or other role) and age group you work with.
- Share where you are from (this may show that there are different skills by region, ie. Are Canada and the United States looking to empower their educators with different skills?)
- Your thoughts on the skills that we need to ensure that educators have in the future to best meet the needs of the students we serve.
I would love to put all of your ideas together and summarize in a post in the future, but this blog is not only about sharing my thoughts; it is also about learning from others.
Please share your thoughts.
1. I am a third grade teacher.
2. I work in the Unites States in the state of Michigan. I work in a rural school district.
3. Educators need to have enough skills that they can teach their students to navigate on the web in a safe and thoughtful manner. Educators need to be willing to take risks and have the desire to empower their students to learn. Teachers need to be able to facilitate or coach students in any subject area. We also need to be willing to keep learning because technology is constantly changing and we have to be willing to change with it!
I am a Grade 1 teacher (working with 6 and 7 year olds) from Ancaster, Ontario, Canada. Your blog post has really got me thinking. Here are the skills that I think educators need (in no particular order):
1) An understanding of Web 2.0 tools. What are these tools, and how can they use them in the classroom to meet curriculum expectations while also developing higher-level thinking skills?
2) An understanding of how to get students and staff and students to work collaboratively. I think that the 21st century learner needs to know how to work well with others, share ideas, and develop ideas thanks to the input from others.
3) An understanding of how to build leadership skills in students, as well as make all staff members feel like leaders too. For the past couple of years, our Board has really focused on the principal being the "leader of leaders," and I think that this is a great idea, but one that needs to be developed. How do we ensure that all staff members have leadership roles (shared leadership)? How do we also ensure that students develop these leadership roles too?
4) An understanding of how to develop problem-solving skills, so that students can be more in control of their learning. When I look at the jobs out there now, I see the need for more independent problem-solving skills, and an understanding that you can develop many of your own solutions too. How do we teach students this?
I'm sure that I've missed many things here, but these are definitely what I would consider to be big areas of focus. I look forward to reading what others contribute too. What a great blog post, and such a wonderful way for us to reflect on our own teaching and learning!
Aviva
Well, it seems Aviva has read my mind!!!!
Collaboration, web 2.0 tools usage and problem solving are key.
So I will add:
1) Critical Thinking skills development: instead of memorization of facts we need to focus on critical assessment of information students come across.
2) Global Citinzenship: creating an awareness of the power of every individual in finding solutions about global issues and acting accordingly.
3) Multiliteracies education
My two cents,
Vicky
I teach first grade students (6 and 7 year-olds) at an independent school in Columbus Ohio, USA. I work in a Pre-K – 12 school of over 1,000 students. This unusual setting provides teachers and students with a built-in community. Our campus has three school areas – upper, middle, and lower schools, yet we share many common spaces. The wide age range of students and specialties of teachers means there are many different perspectives in one school.
Necessary Skills for 21st Century Educators ~
*Reflection, along with a willingness and even eagerness to change ~ Teachers can certainly reflect on lessons – what worked, and what improvements could be made, but they should also think about WHY they're teaching what they're teaching. Sometimes teachers teach things year after year just because it's always been done, without reflecting on why they're teaching, and what the students will get from a specific lesson or topic. It's important to also share this reflection process with the students – asking them to share their thoughts on their learning and even commenting on how the lesson was presented.
*An understanding of the importance of encouraging children to become independent learners. 21st century learners have so many resources available to them. There is no way educators can "teach" all that is out there, but we can help our students to develop a learner's attitude, independently asking questions and seeking answers. Along with this, we need to help students look critically at any information they discover.
*An attitude of collegiality rather than competitiveness.
*A willingness to play and have fun!! I believe this is especially important for teachers who are reluctant to use technology and web 2.0 tools. If teachers approach technology with s sense of fun rather than a sense of obligation, they will most likely find some tools that will positively impact their teaching.
As I look back at this list, I'm not so sure these are skills so much as they are attitudes, but I do believe the items on this list are at least a starting point in teaching and learning with students now and for the future.
1. I teach 9th and 10th grade English/Language Arts, intervention and college prep on the Central Coast of California.
2. Things Teachers Need:
*comfort and ability to navigate Web2.0 tools
*willingness to accept that learning can occur in many different contexts, in and out of the classroom
*ability to collaborate with many different kinds of educators, teachers, librarians, administrators, aides, people close and people far away
*willingness to try new things, experience failure (even in front of students)
*support from admin that allows for experimentation, sometimes failure, learning opportunities, timely and worthwhile pd
*time to collaborate with peers, cross curricular, horizontal and vertical teams
*to collaborate with parents and families. Education is a team sport!
Students Need:
*Real Basic computer skills, we ASSUME they know how to use a computer with minimum skills, but I run into a disappointing majority of students who do not know basic Word Processing, simple internet navigation skills, etc.
*to understand that learning comes with failures. many of my students are programmed to earn points, but are not willing to take risks, always looking for the easy way to do something (aren't we all); but I want them to know that we all make mistakes, and that the only real mistakes we make are the ones we don't learn from
*Critical Thinking skills. we are preparing them for a world that does not exist yet. knowing dates and figures will only go so far, they need to know how to solve problems, how to learn, how to interpret the world around them
*to learn how to work as team members.
1) I am a teacher who has taught Kindergarten or 1st grade for the past 7 years. I am moving to 4th grade this year.
2) I teach in the San Francisco CA south bay area.
3) Now for the big question. I read this post earlier and wanted to process the question for a bit before answering as it is quite the "million dollar question" these days. There are so many skills and qualities that educators need to meet the changing needs of our students.
First, I would say that educators need to be truly committed to learning new web tools as well as connecting to educators who can help them stay current. If teachers are not yet part of a PLN, they need to be to keep up with the learning! It's not just about learning all the new tools and integrating them into assignments and lessons, but about giving kids multiple opportunities to learn about themselves and how they can fit in, have a purpose, and live a fulfilled life. Teachers are not just providers of information and knowledge any more; we must be able to teach kids how to think critically, solve problems and communicate effectively with others, both in conversation and in writing. It seems to me that the more we become a world engaged in technology, the more kids will need face to face communication with adults who can take the time to understand who they are and where they want to go with their lives. Teachers must be learners and definitely willing to continue their own learning journeys. I am sure I have left much out, but look forward to what all of your readers have to contribute! Thanks for another inspiring post
1. I teach English to high school students in Sydney Australia.
2. Things teachers need: time. Time to develop their PLN, to respond and to collaborate. An attitude of mindful curiosity. A willingness to experiment. Professional development support in terms of skills, pedagogy etc. Openness. A genuine belief in lifelong learning. To work in a culture of learning.
3. Things students need: time to develop their PLNs, time and skills to collaborate, to respond, to think. Teachers to help them develop critical AND creative thinking skills. To have tasks that are authentic, real world, that require them to transform their knowledge and understanding. To work in a culture of learning.
I taught 6th grade, Reading, Communication Arts, and Social Studies for six years, have been an instructional coach, and will next year be the curriculum, instruction, and assessment coordinator for my district of 7600+ students. I'm located in the midwest, United States.
I wholeheartedly agree with everything that has been commented thus far. Something I would add is that teachers need to understand how the brains of the "connected" kids are wired differently than kids from past generations. It's something that needs to be taken into consideration when designing classroom instruction and materials, and not just in terms of differentiation. Digital natives multitask, giving partial attention to several things at once, they read informational material in a "Z" pattern, rather than left to right (scanning), and even the color of the print used effects the attention their brain will give to the material. Those are just a few examples of the way digital natives' brains are different. Researchers are discovering more and more all the time.
Teachers need to model collaboration, locally and globally, using problem-solving and inquiry behaviors. Teachers are not the holders of all knowledge anymore. In fact, to foster inquiry behaviors in students, teachers should pretend they are at the mercy of the student to provide them (the teacher and class) with certain knowledge. Being a life-long learner has taken on a whole new and deeper meaning for educators with social networking, the internet, and Web2.0. If educators refuse to acknowledge this, the learning gap will soon become between the student and teacher, and not so much between students.
Lastly, I would suggest teachers dialogue about the technology and innovations of the 21st Century. What is it? What's new? What's different? Then compare those things with technology and innovations of the 19th and 20th Century. Finally, ask themselves, "Are we forcing students to be stuck in past centuries when they enter through our classroom or schoolhouse doors?" If so, what needs to change?
George- Thanks for the opportunity, and for posing such an important, interesting question.
1. I am a special education administrator at the district level. I mainly support the work of teachers and students in elementary schools K-5.
2. I work in Central VA, USA.
3. I agree with the previous posts, all so thoughtfully written. I am finding that educators need to learn to feel OK about letting their guard down and just talking in an honest way, problem solving, without worrying about how they are perceived. Nobody knows everything, and that is OK- especially now, when we have such instant access to one another's expertise. The skills needed in a world that is changing exponentially require interdependence and respectful dialogue. I am also finding that differentiated instruction has far greater depth and range than ever before. We need to explore this as educators to guide and provide students with the education they need. Finally, I think that educators will need to find a way to bridge the gap between the relevant skills they *need* to teach and the often irrelevant skills that they are *required* to teach, as state and district level leaders climb the steep learning curve themselves.
Hi,
I am from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am responsible for the coordination of Foreign Languages Implemantations at a private institution, embracing a chain of 20+ schools.
I totally agree with Angeliquie "that educators will need to find a way to bridge the gap between the relevant skills they *need* to teach and the often irrelevant skills that they are *required* to teach"..
I believe "learning no longer has to be one size fits all" (as stated in U.S.National Educational Technology Plan). When we say teachers should use Web 2.0 tools effectively, we have to keep in mind that these tools are only "tools": If you don't fit them into your teaching philosophy, methodology etc. they will all hang in the air.
Some terms like "problem*solving, "critical thinking", "global citizenship" are mentioned as the essential skills for the 21st Century. I accept they are essential, but what about the high stake exams that only tests content?? In Turkey, when it comes to tests, all these terms lost their priority.
I observe that we know "what" are essential for the 21st Century. However when it comes to "how" some parts are missing. I would like to hear the "how" part the most.
Cheers!
Hi George. I teach MS math and science in a suburban/rural district of central North Carolina, USA. Teachers need to be able to:
- Guide project/problem based inquiry instead of force-feeding content
- facilitate cooperative learning opportunities inter & intra school
- successfully navigate web 2.0 (3.0?) tools on their own so they can direct students
- try/experiment without fear of failure
- map out curricular learning objectives and not just rely on mandated pacing guides, looking for cross-curricular objectives
- step back and let students guide the learning, class, etc. instead of being the center of attention themselves
That's my first hack at it
@mattguthrie
I agree with a lot of what has been said so far. I would like to add a comment about teacher support.
I am a 3rd grade teacher in CT. One of the most important things a teacher can have (which I am very lucky to have) is unconditional support from his/her administration. Having someone of authority who may not always understand what you do, but who knows that you are professional enough to reflect & revise from there.
I also believe that beyond the immediate admin there has to be a willingness with the IT folks, colleagues, etc. to understand that fair is not equal. Just like students, teachers all begin at a different place & move at a different pace ~ separately & uniquely from their coworkers. If a teacher is ready & willing to try something new & needs the tools/resources to be successful (which will make the children successful)then they should be given what they need. Tools/resources should not be withheld just because no one else is doing it or everyone needs to have the same materials.
1) I teach 7th grade English
2) I teach in a district near Reading, PA that is quickly becoming more and more urban in nature
3) I know I'm repeating a lot of the great posts, but there are several things that I think are MOST important that kids need for the 21st century, but I think the most important are problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Our school system is still based around building automatons for the assembly line and simply does not provide for a system in which more and more managerial positions are being eliminated in favor of a team-based format. Yes, technology skills are important, but it seems that kids are fairly fearless in experimenting with that on their own, so maybe short introductions into what's available would suffice. I think we, as teachers, need to simply get away from the old stand-and-deliver style and become more group and project oriented. What do multiple choice tests really tell us? Teachers need their own PLN and PD that matters — not just the PD du jour that will disappear by the following year.
Finally, we need to stop making generalizations about this generation of kids and their technology literacy and cater to the individuals. For example, so many people make leaps to judgement about this generation's lack of interpersonal skills (due to texting), but how many have actually spoken to the kids to find out just how intelligent and enlightened they are? This is a whole new type of student, and WE need to adapt – not force them to adapt to us.
1. I am a college developmental math teacher. Age range of students is 17 to 60 ish.
2. Southern Ontario
3. Educators must be willing to re-think their teaching practice. For adults, this means making classes more interactive, innovative and collaborative. Enhanced use of technology combined with teaching excellence will provide the framework necessary for this new generation of learners. There has never been a more exciting time to be an educator – we must '…go boldly forward!"
1. I am .5 5th Grade Teacher / .5 Technology Coach
2. I currently teach in Southern Oregon in a small rural community.
3. All teachers should purposefully self-reflect/assess regularly. A lot of people have a difficult time looking at their own faults. Teachers need to be able to see where they are weak, and find ways to improve. As a part of this, teachers should be a constant example of a life-long learner. Admit when you're wrong or don't have an answer; then show them how you find that answer. Show learning in all aspects of the classroom and life.
Additionally, teachers need to understand that there is no "one-size-fits-all" in education. Each class, each student will be different. Let students be themselves and show understanding/mastery in ways that make sense to them. Provide options for students; giving them choices can provide greater engagement and purpose.
And teachers need to be willing to take risks. We can't honestly expect students to "take risks", step out of their comfort zones, try something new, if we aren't will to do the same. Try tech in the class. Learn effective tools to purposefully implement into content and learning. There are too many apps/technologies out there to believe we can do it all. Little by little. But you have to start and start soon. That's why I love the various twitter hastags/PLNs.
1. I teach grade 3. Student age 7-9 years.
2. I teach in Hamilton, Ontario.
3. There are a variety of things that educators need in order to be able to support our students.
a) We need to develop a greater understanding of Web 2.0 tools.
b) Educators need time to collaborate with other educators both locally as well as at a distance.
c) Support from administration.
d) A willingness to break free from our traditional way of thinking and taking a 'plunge' into the unknown.
Hi there,
I'm a Student Success teacher and ICT integration project lead in a secondary school in Penetanguishene Ontario (small town, small school).
My thoughts are that teachers need to embrace the idea of innovation and personal entrepreneurship. To start thinking outside of the box. Educators need to break free from the restrictions of how education has happened in the past. To support 21st century learners, educators will need to be creative and able to manage a classroom of students all learning in different ways and demonstrating their learning in different ways. I think ideally educators will think of creative ways to teach and assess and then access their PLN to get feedback, collaborate and resources. Learning will be a constant for teachers to keep up.
In summary, I believe educators need the following skills:
- entrepreneurial attitude (creativity, motivation, innovation)
- ability to access a PLN or resources that work for their own learning
- skills required to be a life long learner
Can't wait to see your summary of the comments left here!
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1. I currently teach third grade, but was a librarian until my district decided it didn't need librarians last February.
2. I teach in Dearborn, Michigan.
3. The comments posted thus far are all very thoughtful. I would like to add that teachers need to model expected behaviors for their students. This means that teachers must use technology as an integral part of their own learning and must be willing to try and fail in front of their students. Technology tools will come and go, continually changing in form, but the willingness to see failure as a opportunity to learn is a lesson that will last a lifetime. We must be willing to practice what we preach.
I am in a graduate education program focused on exploring progressive education that meets the needs of today's students, is effective and uses resources like technology when it makes learning more meaningful along with good instruction practices. I am interested in studying educators that are trying new things in their classrooms. I want to learn how changes such as unorthodoxed teaching practices, creating more collaborative learning environments and teaching skills that are important and aren't only about passing standardized tests. I found this blog on twitter and have enjoyed reading the posts so far. Thanks, Janisia
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Janisia Bennett :I am in a graduate education program focused on exploring progressive education that meets the needs of today’s students, is effective and uses resources like technology when it makes learning more meaningful along with good instruction practices. I am interested in studying educators that are trying new things in their classrooms. I want to learn how changes such as unorthodoxed teaching practices, creating more collaborative learning environments and teaching skills that are important and aren’t only about passing standardized tests impact students. I found this blog on twitter and have enjoyed reading the posts so far. Thanks, Janisia
Hi George,
1. I work as a distance learning developer at De Montfort University and have a background as a teacher of web design and multimedia in higher education.
2. UK
3. Teachers need to know how to communicate and learn in a networked online environment. They need to know how to learn how to interact with others and develop their own knowledge though participating, connecting, collaborating, data gathering, reflecting etc.
Otganisations including educational establishments need to set the culture through their IT and communication infrastructure and working practices guidleines.