This week, I was given the task of examing the website http://www.p21.org, from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. This site outlines what the 21st century skills are, and why they are important. This website has so much information that it is hard to take it all in at once. Before reading the information, I thought I knew what the 21st century skills were all about, but I really underestimated the scope of the skills. I had assumed that they were all about having students use technology as much as possible. I was very surprised to read that not only are skills such as articulating thoughts through multimedia listed, but there are also skills concerning creativity and innovation and exercising sound reasoning.
I found the website to be very informative, but I was disappointed that the information was so spread out in documents linked all over the site. I would have had an easier time with it if the information was more consise. Also, after reading the skills for English, I am concerned with how I will be able to teach these skills to my students. I am not sure how to assess skills like creativity and flexibility to be sure that my students have mastered them. I am also not sure that every one of my students needs every one of these skills. I see how the skills will help most of my students in their lives and careers after high school, but I have several students who resist anything to do with creativity. I will definitely need to research this more, to learn how to reach those students and to see how I am expected to assess their mastery.
Leslie,
ReplyDeleteI share your concerns regarding how we will measure some of these skills consistently and fairly. The multiple choice and true/false format certainly eliminates the subjective nature of grading, which is nice, but I really feel it is time to mix it up a bit. I see 21st Century learning increasing some of the creativity, critical thinking, and rigor from what most of our classes consist of now but not necessarily overhauling the entire educational philosophy as it has been in the past. I also share your concern regarding students who may not be engaged and refuse to do the work on their own. Many of my kids love filling in the blanks and taking paper/pencil assessments because it requires little thought or work on their part. Others crave the opportunity to perform and show off their skills. In either educational setting I believe there will be those kids who do the bare minimum or nothing at all. Access to technology on an individual basis presents further concerns. All in all, I am in agreement with the 21st century approach but I am sure it will have its glaring imperfections. After all, kids still have to take responsibility if any theory is going to be successful.
- Greg Thorson
I agree Leslie there is definitely a ton of information on this website; it can be overwhelming. Also,it might take a while to find a specific article or information one might be looking for if they are new to the website. Although there is a lot of information, I am glad you were able to get some new insight on these 21st century skills. I can understand your concerns when it comes to your students and creativity. There is an article I read on the website about the 4C’s (creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking) that might be of help to you. There is also a short, kid-friendly video attached to the article that I watched which was really helpful. Here is the link: http://www.p21.org/tools-and-resources/abovebeyond4cs
ReplyDeleteLeslie,
ReplyDeleteThere was a lot of information on the website - totally agree! I think it is one of those websites where after you explore it several times you would be more comfortable navigating around it. I was very interested in your concern about teaching creativity. I never really thought too much about that skill. You are right. Some kids simply do not want to be creative. I feel that some of these skills will be a lot easier once you have all teachers working towards them. For example, if you teach 10th grade English and you are trying to teach your kids to be creative, it might be difficult. But, if the student has been learning that since kindergarten, then it might be easier. I feel that the first year a teacher implements these skills it will be a challenge. Just like anything new. Once we have all teachers working towards a common goal it will be a lot easier.
Brianne
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI do share your opinions about the site.As a contemporary teacher the implications for me by being exposed to information on 21st century skills will affect the way I instruct my students by reshaping their learning environment based upon what is required as 21st century skills.
I taught that I truly understand what 21st century skills were until I visited http://www.p21.org/.
I must commend the authors for this site as it will reshape our thinking
about 21st Century skills.
I also share your concerns as well.
George