Meta-Mentoring

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

No excuse for "teachers"

... to make authentic learning happen. Take it from Alan November.

Labels: 21st century learning

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A Networked Student

... is not afraid to ask.

I like that part about Learning Architects. Now who said that "Those who can't do, teach"?

Labels: 21st century learning, Learning Architect

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Death of the classroom?

Photo credits: http://www.psfk.com/

Well, almost. Not if parents build schools like the above. As Dan Roddy describes what could perhaps be a model school for 21st century learners:

The very fabric of the building itself is part of the children's education: there are no classrooms, only an open plan interior that extends around the playground; the playground spreads onto the roof, with a slide into the yard and rope ladders from the class areas through skylights set into it; a tap in the yard spills water out across the wooden floor so the children can watch and observe how it runs away.

More about the Fuji Kindergarten here and here.

We can dream, can't we? Happy Christmas World!

Labels: 21st century learning, home school, Tokyo

Friday, December 19, 2008

What's with teaching to the test?

Somehow I get the feeling that the more important lessons to teach are about survival. It's a bit ironic though but those who survive are sometimes good at cheating. Then again, if students learn about compassion, there could be no reason to cheat.

So perhaps Harvard's Tony Wagner was spot on when he identified seven skills students desperately need in the 21st century.

Here they are:

1. Problem-solving and critical thinking;
2. Collaboration across networks and leading by influence;
3. Agility and adaptability;
4. Initiative and entrepreneurship;
5. Effective written and oral communication;
6. Accessing and analyzing information; and
7. Curiosity and imagination.

Thanks to Sharon Bett for sharing.

Labels: 21st century learning, tests, Tony Wagner

Monday, October 13, 2008

"Start focusing on skills ...

... of wonder, discovery and exploration."

You've got to like Steve Spangler.

"A great teacher kind of gives us unforgettable learning experiences."

Care to play darts?

Labels: 21st century learning, Steve Spangler