It’s 2019. So Why Do 21st-Century Skills Still Matter?

Name: Boyd, Shani

Topic: ID

Citation:

Boss, S. (2019). It’s 2019. So Why Do 21st-Century Skills Still Matter? Retrieved from: https://www.edsurge.com/news/2019-01-22-its-2019-so-why-do-21st-century-skills-still-matter

Summary: 

The article introduces how the 21^st Century model has evolved in the current era and how it is being applied in the real world by students. Drawing from examples of various teachers, Boss demonstrates what has worked well to incorporate the 4C’s while empowering students. As the model calls for moving away from textbooks and teachers talking-at students, students collaborate with others, apply critical thinking to real-world situations, and find creative uses for communicating through digital tools. Yet, despite the innovations technology has brought to this way of teaching, many teachers still find it challenging to incorporate established frameworks for deeper learning.

Evaluation: 

This article opens with a successful example of students applying 21^stCentury skills to a problem in their community that drew on their ability to collaborate and think critically. The article then transitions into an explanation about applying the 4C’s and other innovations to deeper learning that have evolved in the digital age. Boss introduces notable educators in the field and incorporates several examples of how students have applied this method outside of classrooms. She also provides additional reading material and links to other websites for further research. I like that this article covers a variety of perspectives on how the 21^st Century model has been applied and how it works for students. She calls for more teachers to make the much needed transition because the competencies taught reman relevant to a students contribution to their community and life outside of school.

Swartzwelder, Cassandra

Topic: Educational Theory and Practice (ET)

Teachers TV/UK Department of Education (Producer). (2010). Resources: Deep Learning with Mini Whiteboards [Video file]. Retrieved from Education in Video: Volume I database. Retrieved from: https://search-alexanderstreet-com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/view/work/bibliographic_entity|video_work|1782550

In this video, a second grade history class uses whiteboards to solve a problem that is given by the classroom teacher. Students have to determine what type of material they will build a castle out of in 1081. The teacher asks several follow up questions. Students are thinking critically about several things at once while trying to solving the problem. The use of the whiteboards allows students to make mistakes and erase their mistakes. It also allows them to share their answer without being put on the spot and telling the whole class. In turn this builds the students confidence and they will feel more comfortable sharing in class.

The video does a great job of demonstrating what deep learning is and how you can create it in the classroom. Instead of having the students work on their own from a textbook, the teacher is involved and goes through the steps with the whole class. You could tell that students have a much deeper understanding and learning.