21st Century Skills

I read a few articles this past week on the topic of 21st century skills. This evening, I spent some time reading the web site, Partnership for 21st Century Skills. I found the site very informative and in-line with the articles I had read.

While reading the Framework for 21st Century Learning, I had to ask myself, “Do I even meet these standards? Can I meet these requirements?” I ask myself this because of how much I have learned about the internet and technology over the past few weeks. As I read further, I discovered that I do indeed teach some of the student outcomes, such as critical thinking and problem solving. Those two skills, along with several others in the framework, are addressed on the New Jersey High School Proficiency assessment, so I build those skills into my classroom. However, I do lack in the area of information, media, and technology skills. I know this is an area in which I need to grow stronger for the benefit of my students.

While reading the site, I saw that the Partnership was formed in 2002. I had to wonder, if this Partnership was created 7 years ago why I haven’t I heard about it? Why am I just now learning about “21st Century Skills”? Have I been that out-of-the-loop about current best practices in education? What surprised me even more was seeing my home state, New Jersey, listed on the State Initiatives page. I followed the link to the state area of the web site and read some very interesting information about New Jersey’s plans to provide students with an education that provides 21st century schools including standards, professional development, and alignment of new assessments with 21st century skills. I have only seen revisions of state standards and assessments; not initiatives for these 21st century schools.
As an educator, I need to be fully aware of the 21st Century skills. I need to know to what my students are expected to know when they leave high school. I need to be aware of the skills they will need to compete in a global society. Knowing the information is only part of the battle though; implementing the standards is another challenge that has to be tackled.

Linda

An idea about how to use a blog in my classroom

The idea of using a blog in my classroom is new to me.  I am just becoming familiar with blogs on a personal level.  However, I can't wait until I feel comfortable with blogs before I try to incorporate them in my classroom.  I have thought about how I could utilize a blog with my students and I have developed a plan.

Let me start by explaining that I teach 9th and 10th grade English.  My school has a daily 15-minutes Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) time at the beginning of the school day.  We are in the second year of this program and in the opinion of many teachers it has been successful.  My curriculum has an independent reading component as well; therefore my students participate in a substantial amount of reading.

My idea is to provide a blog for students to discuss the books they are reading.  The purpose of the blog would be to serve as an on-line book club.  I would create the blog.  The students would post to my blog their reviews and recommendations about the books they have read during SSR or in class.  My intention is for my students to discuss with their peers why a book was great or not so great.  I can further develop the discussions by asking analytical questions about a book such as author’s intent or symbolism.   My hope with this blog is to (1) create more interest and enthusiasm in reading, and (2) introduce different genres of books to students.  Maybe a student who would have not looked twice at a “vampire lore” novel would be interested in reading a particular “vampire” book after reading a discussion on the blog. 

I think there are many benefits to the blog.  First, it gives the students the chance to interact with their peers in a new way.   Everyone has the chance to participate- speak their minds.  Too often in class the “shy” students fail to speak up while the out-spoken students dominate the conversation.  Also, students have to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas in a public forum, viewable by not only by the teacher but by their classmates.  Hopefully, the discussions will lead to reflection, analysis, and possibility debate.  These are only a few benefits of this type of blog. 

Since this is my first time developing a blog to use in my classroom, I am sure there are things I am overlooking.  Your comments and suggestions are welcome!

Linda