My initial reaction to this site was that it was just another site outlining an educational plan. I was expecting some good ideas but maybe not really realistic or completely thought through in regards to the effects on students. Entirely the opposite, the more I examined, I found a site that includes an excellent pl
an for accommodating all students through building on essential 21st century skills. The idea for teaching 21st century skills are built off a framework that combines core subjects with skills needed in the workplace. This framework is solid and serves to provide the guidance for teachers looking to add these skills to their curriculum. Success in “today’s world” does not mean a focus on a single branch of this framework but rather strengthening both core academic skills and 21st century skills. Through this partnership, students are expected to strengthen their life and career skills in conjunction with innovational and technology skills becoming increasingly diverse in their outside lives.The site itself was well developed and easily accessible displaying the entire history and methodology of the 21st century learning and also provides ways to bring it fully into the classroom. The information itself is backed by educational and technical associations encompassing the entire spectrum of 21st century skills with the students first learning the basics of core knowledge already taught in schools through the expansion of critical and analytical thinking of the high school years. Among the members supporting this foundation are Dell computers, the National Education Association and Sesame Workshop a mix that helps ensure a focus on students regardless of age or circumstance.
This site includes a lot of solid information outlining the role of educators, administrators and technical advisors in strengthening the role of 21st century skills in the classroom. Much of the information is what I expected form this type of site, a plan from start to finish that serves to strengthen academic skill and life skills. One thing that surprised me was the way the plan would be implemented. Often new frameworks for learning chose to eliminate the traditional ways of teaching. 21st century learning does not call for elimination of the traditional core information, but rather chooses an augmentation of new skills on top of this basic information.
Also, the list of states that have accepted this plan has surprised me, both in the amount of states working towards this plan and which states have already joined this partnership. After examining this website, this partnership and mission makes sense that students will need specific skills that will impact their potential in the future workforce. However, only a handful of states have accepted this plan and are working to change their instruction. I was also surprised that New York was not one of the states that is on this list. Teaching in New York, I believed this state to be on the forefront of new methods and ideas in technology, however, they are not part of this partnership. Granted some of the ideas that are found on this site such as technology becoming commonplace and life skills have gained popularity in recent years, yet we still are not a supporting member state. This is rather surprising.
Overall, I find most of the information to pertinent and realistic to what schools may need to prepare our students. The only issue I have is the underlying assumption that this will be an easy change. I felt like this website portrayed these ideas as the fix all for education and the workforce today. While these ideas are really great and well thought out, I foresee some pushback from many different arenas, particularly those that still embrace the traditional methods of teaching. Unfortunately conflict is common when new methods gain popularity and are used more readily in the classroom.
Overall, this plan holds some implications for both students and educators alike. First, for this plan to be effective there must be a retooling of the curriculum. Currently, much of the instruction in schools is based on a traditionally based method that focuses on teacher based instruction and core subject areas. If utilizing this plan correctly, teachers need to find a way to bring increased life skills, technology and collaboration into each lesson providing essential knowledge and lifelong skills for each and every student. This means a lot of work for educators and school systems, but work that could be widely useful to all students.
References
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. www.21stcenturyskills.org, Information retrieved from website January 25, 2010.
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). A report and mile guide for 21st century skills.
Washington DC: Retrieved from
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ReplyDeleteHi Dawn,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to start off by saying what a very insightful evaluation of the website "Partnership for 21st Century Skills". I agreed with many of your statements in your blog. Particularly the comment about students being immersed in technology at home and society, but lacking that same connection at school. It is evident that this is not productive for students in their education and futures. I feel that the 21st Century Skills provide that connection and information for schools and educators to include technology in their classrooms. It was stated that, “The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has emerged as the leading advocacy organization focused on infusing 21st century skills into education. The organization brings together the business community, education leaders, and policymakers to define a powerful vision for 21st century education to ensure every child's success as citizens and workers in the 21st century. The Partnership encourages schools, districts and states to advocate for the infusion of 21st century skills into education and provides tools and resources to help facilitate and drive change.” (Partnership for 21st Century Skills). I believe this proposal is exactly what schools, educators, and students need to create a better future for all.
Technology is used on a daily basis in our students’ lives. The workplace uses technology in the same way so the partnership being created is a win- win scenario for the success of our students. For example, "The new literacies encompass much more. Their utility lies in online reading comprehension and learning skills, or21st century skills, required by the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs), including content found on wikis, blogs, video sites, audio sites and in e-mail. They require the ability not just to “read” but also to navigate the World Wide Web, locate information, evaluate it critically, synthesize it and communicate it—all skills that are becoming vital to success in this century’s
economy and workforce." (Miners, Z., & Pascopella, A., 2007). As educators we have the obligation to prepare students for the workforce and to promote the idea of lifelong learning. I believe the Partnership for 21st Century Skills embodies the concept of lifelong learning.
Resources:
Miners, Z., & Pascopella, A. (2007). The new literacies. District Administration, 43(10), 26–34.Used by permission.
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). A report and mile guide for 21st century skills. Washington DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/downloads/P21_Report.pdf
Randy,
ReplyDeleteIt does seem like districts will have to put in a lot of time and effort to change from traditional teaching methods to 21st century skills. Once the hard work is put in and a school system can change, it seems like there would actually be less work. Less papers, less books, less time once students and teacher became familiar with the program. If it were possible to get more administrators to see the value, worth, and ultimate necessity of implementing 21st century skills through technology, the partnership would continue to grow and the members could use each other as resources and for collaboration. I was proud to see Ohio as a member, but since my state is in the partnership I have high expectations for myself to utilize the resources available on this site. The only problem is I feel overwhelmed with the amount of information on there! How do I sort through the massive lists to find what I need? As a teacher in one of the member states, I should be more familiar with the vision. I owe it to myself and my students.
Connie
6th Gr. SS/LA
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. www.21stcenturyskills.org, Information retrieved from website January 29, 2010.
Connie,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about this material, this sit is excellent in regards to the overall idea and information that is posted for educators to access. However, this is one example where this can be a double edged sword, there is a lot of information here to digest and it can be difficult at times wading through all of this material. What I found helpful and what I did was skim the suggestions for integrating the material into the curriculum and I also watched the videos. I just took a piece of paper and pencil and jotted down ideas that I thought may work or would be interesting to try in my class, I really focused on what I thought would be simply to integrate, contained essential life skills but ideas that stay within my curriculum outlined by the school.
Randy
Randy, I must say that this is indeed a very thorough critical examination of the 21 century website. I can sense that you are one of those teachers who is on the verge of being a master teacher as you seemed disappointed in not being able to find realist and original ideas that could benefit you in your quest to provide more meaningful options to benefit your students.
ReplyDeleteI was a bit surprised that more states did not commit themselves to the mandate of the site. I agree with you that it will be a laborous task for schools and even the Education Ministries to restructure their curriculum to fully support the path of the 21st century village. I support the idea the 21st century skills should be established from a framework that combines core subject with skills needed in the workplace. However, it takes partnership and mutual collaboration among educators and the wider society to make this transformation successful.
While you believe the under lining assumption relates to 'the fix all for education and the workplace', you must realize that this only the preliminary stage so it is up to individuals who care enough about the future generation to put these ideas and links to good use. As Connie mentioned, there will be a problem with an immense of information for educators and learners to consume. Therefore, one of the most important 21st century life and career skill that should be grasped for this overwhelming abundance of information is critical thinking ans social responsibility skills. Subsequently, librarians will also need to help their clients harness these skills. Another problem that will surface, will be policies relating to censorship.
The task at hand is for educators and other individuals who have vested interest in contributing positively to education, to put these ideas into action. It might even mean consulting experts for ideas but positive results will take years before the 21st century skills will be fully integrated in all schools' curriculum. As the saying goes, 'Rome wasn't built in a day' so it is our responsibility to put in all the hard work so the future generation can reap the benefits.
K. Kerr
Connie- Teaching 21st century skills can go hand in hand with teaching your current content standards. Of course it is much easier once you have the support of your district, but in the meantime it is very doable, especially with the support of information such as the Partnership for 21st Century skills. Their framework is very thorough and seems very supportive.
ReplyDeleteI know it can seem scary, but moving away from the traditional setting an into a more student centered setting where the teacher acts as facilitator, you will find that your work actually shifts. Traditionally, in a teacher centered classroom, if you ask "who is doing all of the work" you would see and say it is the teacher. Movin towards the student centered style, the students are the ones doing the work. The facilitator's work is more behind the scenes. So I wouldn't say that it is more work, it more of a different style. Once you begin hearing the collaboration between the students and their conversations, you will be compeltely amazed at what students acutally know,but never heard from them. It doesn't happen over night, it does take time. It is not only new to the students but to the teacher as well. It is an absolutely beautiful sight once it starts to happen. You will find that the students gain so much more from the experience and actually take more ownership of what they are learning. They will begin to crave the 21st century style of learning, and dread those moments of "lecture".
If you are just beginning to incorporate the skills and it is only in your classroom not the entire school or district, start small. Incorporate one thing at a time and keep in mind this is new for them as well as you. For example - you might begin with collaboration and problem solving, then move on to critical thinking etc.
KCagle
Math -New Tech High
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. www.21stcenturyskills.org, Information retrieved from website January 29, 2010.
Hi Randy
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a thoughtful and thorough review of this website. I agree that it contains a wealth of knowledge beneficial to educators.
You had mentioned your concern that New York is not yet a member of the partnership. Well, my state, Illinois, is a member and I’ve never heard of 21st Century Skills until I took this class. I’m not sure which of us is in worse shape!
I understand your concern that the website appears to be suggesting that these skills will be easy to implement and it will all go so smoothly. However, when I was reading through it, I came away with a different impression. I felt like it was saying that educators do not need to reinvent the wheel, that the skills are a part of the existing curriculum, and it’s not a new, add-on program to learn.
This reminds me of a character education program my district belongs to now. Instead of teaching character development as a separate entity, it is taught within the curriculum. This really made it easier to sell to teachers who feel stretched out as it is.
Thanks for sharing,
Krista
Reference
The Partnership of 21st Century Skills. http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/
Randy,
ReplyDeleteI am truly impressed with your overall analysis of the 21st Century Skills. Your critique was insightful and carried several questions for me to consider. I like you was quite surprised that California was not on the list of states involved with this program. I carry similar viewpoints and frustrations considering where California is heading in terms of education. We as educators are expected to do more with less, and the implementation of these skills requires more access to technology in the classroom. You mentioned a wide variety of partners associated with this organization, but as President Obama pointed out in his State of the Union Address this past week, he wants to revamp education to address the needs and skills required for our students to succeed in the 21st century. With this being said, I am curious as to your thoughts of why New York and California have not partnered with such an organization considering the immense diversity in our public education? Wouldn't technology close the achievement gap between whites and minorities, and also, why have we not heard much from the US Department of Education considering they were one of the founders of this organization back in 2002? I would love to hear your thoughts. Great post.
Resources:
The Partnership of 21st Century Skills. http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/
Michael Palo
HS World History/American Government