by Jenny Luca | Apr 25, 2011 | Teacher Leadership 2.0, The Compelling Need for Change, Voices
Classroom teachers who are working to make a difference have reached a critical juncture point. We can’t be expected to continue running ourselves ragged trying to do it all, battling the demon that is time. If the status quo remains, expect to see more quality teachers exiting classrooms for other pursuits, and watch our profession continue to struggle with the challenge of adapting to the learning landscape of the age we are living in. The authors of Teaching 2030 propose to address this issue by encouraging investments in “teacherpreneurs.”
by John Norton | Apr 22, 2011 | Less Teacher, More Student, Making The Shift, The Compelling Need for Change, Voices
“We live in a connected world, with the Internet and powerful digital technologies literally at our fingertips, so it would be foolish not to integrate those things into the learning experience. But when I talk about the shift to 21st century teaching and learning, I am not talking primarily about changing the tools we use. I’m talking about transforming the way most teachers teach today – either because they were taught to teach that way or because the accountability system makes them believe they have to teach that way.”
by Bud Hunt | Mar 31, 2011 | The Compelling Need for Change, Voices
It is essential that we write with our students. They need to see us struggle and grasp and stick and unstick and giggle and fume and wander and come back in order to get the right words in the right order to say the thing we think we need to be saying. They need to go through that, too. Regularly.
In the 21st century, it’s all about helping our students develop their 21st century skills, of course. And critical thinking is powered by thoughtful reflection and summary, which is fostered by writing. You don’t know what you know until you write.
by Brian Crosby | Mar 29, 2011 | The Compelling Need for Change, Voices
We commented on others’ posts and also responded to the comments left on our own blogs. We were starting, promoting and inciting conversations – the kind you would have in a friendly letter, but also to ask questions, clarify thinking, and argue what you believe to be true. It’s all higher order thinking – all difficult if done well – and appreciated by almost all my students. It’s also real work, the kind that tends to make my room a purposeful and quiet place where students ask questions about what they don’t understand or can’t do (when too often, during lessons, they won’t). It’s full of teachable moments.
by Lyn Hilt | Mar 11, 2011 | The Compelling Need for Change, Voices
By harnessing the power of social media, principals can take advantage of improved organizational efficiency, solidify and broaden communications, serve as lead learners, and develop relationships that will ultimately build an organization’s capacity and benefit children. Our students will be expected to enter adulthood as critical thinkers, problem solvers, and collaborative, productive team members. We must model the power of digitally enhanced learning for them, for our teachers, and for the community.
