21st Century Learning and Teaching

As educators, we know when students tune in -- and we know when they tune out. The more elusive question is why. There is emerging consensus that the 20th-century approach to education, which favors methods such as lectures and rote learning, is standing in the way of making school relevant to more students.

Fortunately, research is catching up with our intuition and validating the practices that we know work in the classroom. One vision in particular, about what students should be able to do and know, is picking up steam. It's called deeper learning.

The Benefits
Deeper learning is a set of learning outcomes for students that include:

Mastery of core academic content
Critical thinking and problem solving
Productive collaboration
Effective communication
An ability to direct their own learning and exhibit a strong academic mindset.

Learn more:

- http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Rise+of+the+Professional+Educator

- http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Great+Teachers

- http://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/education-collaboration-and-coaching-the-future/

- http://gustmees.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/so-whats-the-change-for-teachers-in-21st-century-education/

- http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=mindset

The trick is not to rely on new technology. That doesn't necessarily impress younger students. The solution for engaging children and sustaining their curiosity is to engineer situations where they will be challenged, surprised and yes - kept in a constant state of suspense.

Sometimes it is as simple as changing the format of a lesson, or altering the layout of a classroom. Sometimes it is to introduce a new approach or problem where students need to take an alternative role. I often create chaos and uncertainty in my lessons. People are not comfortable with this, and will do anything to resolve it into something meaningful. The answer is always, always keep them guessing - and then send them out confused, if you have to.