The Purpose of EducationA 21st Century Approach

Brandon Goodman

The Purpose of Education

What are 21st century skills?

Digital Age Literacy– Basic, scientific, economic and technological literacy

Visual literacy and information literacy Multicultural literacy and global awareness

Inventive Thinking – Adaptability and managing complexity

Self-direction Curiosity, creativity, and risk taking Higher-order thinking and sound reasoning

Effective Communication – Teaming, collaboration, and interpersonal skills

Personal, social, and civic responsibility Interactive communication

High Productivity – Prioritizing, planning, and managing for results

Effective use of real-world tools Ability to produce relevant, high-quality products

A 21st century educational approach

•Curriculum

1

•Teacher Training

2

•Assessment

3

Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Overview

A 21st century educational approach

•Curriculum

1

•Teacher Training

2

•Assessment

3

Teacher Training

Don’t reinvent the wheel Use what you already haveSmart Technologies, Inc. website; YouTube training videos; materials

from other schools/agencies

Share the new wheel you inventPeer-to-peer training; Smart Board Clinics; demo lessons; Smart Board

Share site; online tutorials; lesson templates; “Can-do” lists

Teacher Training

·Organized around a problem or challenge without a predetermined solution

·Creates a need to know of essential content and skills

·Students design the process for reaching a solution

·Requires critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and various forms of communication

·Uses a variety of resources, separate relevant from irrelevant information, and manage the information they gather

·Students learn to work independently and take responsibility when they are asked to make choices

·Students regularly reflect on what they’re doing

·A final product (not necessarily material) is produced and is evaluated for quality

·The classroom has an atmosphere that tolerates error and change

·The teacher takes on the role of a facilitator rather than a leader

The project-based learning approach creates a "constructivist" learning environment in which students construct their own knowledge. Whereas in the "old school" model the teacher was the task master, and in the "new school" model the teacher becomes the facilitator.

Project Based Learning

A 21st century educational approach

•Curriculum1•Teacher Training2•Assessment3

Assessment

Assessed by looking at:• Quality of the product produced• Depth of content understanding demonstrated• Contributions made to the ongoing process of project realization

• Portfolios• Presentations using newer technology and computers• Exhibitions• Projects

Various ways to assess:

Assessment

Conclusion

Are our students critical thinkers and problem solvers?

Are our students globally aware?

Are our students self-directed?

Conclusion

Are our students information and technology literate?

Are our students flexible and adaptable?

Are our students innovative?

Are our students effective communicators?