The idea of 21st Century learning as outlined in the Ministry of Education's website is a framework for how we teach and learn in our knowledge based society. These ideas and principles in the document "A Vision for 21st Century Education" are similar to the ideas that have guided our practice in gifted education:
Here's what some of the document says about how to transform our current state of education - in other words, let's move in this direction:
A Flexible Educational Path: The transformed system would have a flexiblecurriculum that allows for more in depth study. Early in the student’s education the curriculum will remain structured and focus on the foundational skills. As the student progresses and gains more understanding and life experience they will, with the assistance of teachers and parents, take on more responsibility for choosing their educational path. The student would still have to achieve learning outcomes but focused on the student’s particular interests. This requires an “integrated”, “project-based” or “problem-based” approach to learning which will enable the student to understand how the skills they are learning are integral to their future life.
A Blended System: The system would have a mixture of face-to-face classroom and online learning. It would also incorporate the immense range of learning
opportunities outside the classroom. Some students would prefer a heavier emphasis on classroom learning while others may prefer the options of online learning. There has already been a strong uptake of online learning in BC.
Access to Learning Objects and Teaching Tools: Technology allows for better
access to learning objects, teaching tools, and information. This is important for
students, parents and teachers to collaborate in creating an individualised learning path that incorporates the information they need to know in more customised ways.
Open Access to Information Systems: Students need to be able to access
information. Unfettered (but not unguided) access will allow them to learn and to teach themselves as they go forward. Furthermore, access to information will allow students to make informed decisions about their interests and understand the implications of new information for potential career decisions.
Constant Feedback and Assessment: While the system will be more flexible, there is a need for assessment based standards that will be higher in the future than they are today. Technology can provide new options for assessment and improving learning outcomes. In particular it allows for timely assessment so that students, parents and teachers can be informed during, not after, learning and in ways that allow for correction and celebration.
The document goes on to state that as we move to a knowledge based society, we need to develop certain skills and attributes.
Skills and Attributes for a 21st Century:
- Functional Numeracy and Literacy
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Creativity and Innovation
- Technological Literacy
- Communications and Media Literacy
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Personal Organisation
- Motivation, Self-Regulation and Adaptability
- Ethics, Civic Responsibility, Cross-Cultural Awareness
We develop these skills and attributes on a daily basis: critical thinking and problem solving; creativity, collaboration, motivation, and ethics!
Furthermore, we support students in a flexible education path that is driven by their needs and desires as learners.
This is powerful information. We are heading in an interesting and thought- provoking direction in terms of what education will look like 10-20 years from now. It is very exciting and also very daunting...but the possibilities are endless...
What do you think of 21st Century learning?
No comments:
Post a Comment