21st Century Skills
06.23.10
After reading the articles posted, I find it easy to agree with both sides of the argument. However, if I were to pick a side, I would say that I do not see a problem with incorporating 21st century skills into the classroom. Though I do not agree that these skills should be created by corporations or only used as a basis to be better than other states, countries, counties, etc. I think that it is important for students to be learning the “core skills” but also to be exposed to different ideas involving technology and higher-order thinking.
I think that acts such as No Child Left Behind have created such an emphasis on high-stakes testing that some classrooms may focus so much on having students memorize content for the tests, and may steer away from anything that may not necessarily be on the test. Unfortunately, this can also steer away from activities that may involve critical thinking or use of technology. I acknowledge that it is important for students to learn the “standards of learning” but it is also important for students to be able to relate concepts to real life and be able to take more away from a lesson than just “I am going to memorize this for the test and then probably forget it once the test is over”.
In reading the articles, I note that Colette Cairns, in the 21st Century Skills article, describes the process of integrating technology into lessons, using Skype and Google Maps, and how this led to previously unmotivated students getting excited about learning and spending extra time working on projects. I think this is inspiring and a good example of how the 21st century skills approach can work well.
I found these articles interesting and plan to read more on the subject.
Well said Melissa, although I do feel that preparing the next generation with 21st century skills in order to be competitive in a global economy is important. Not so much in a nationalistic, my country (state, county, etc…) is better than yours kind of way, but as a means to keep the United States of America competitive so that our children and grandchildren are afforded the same comforts that we enjoy today as a result of the industrial and technological competencies of generations before us. I did enjoy your post, just thought I would add some food for thought.
That’s a good point, and I agree with you. I agree that the United States should stay competitive so that children will have the skills they need to be successful, but I don’t think that it should be a “I’m better than you” kind of thing, if that makes sense! Thanks for your comments!
I forgot to note Cairns’ success story, I found it to be uplifting.