Thursday, October 13, 2011
2010-2011 MCS Council Members!!!
It is time to share what you learned! Click on the comment button below and share with us something you learned in Council last year regarding 21st Century Skills. And while you are at it ... share one thing you have implemented in your classroom based on what you learned.
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Testing!
ReplyDeleteEngaging in the activities that were provided through council was a very effective form of professional growth. In general, what I took away was that I cannot implement all 21st century skills at one time and be effective. I need to start with one or two until they are solid, then move on, and eventually 21st century skill building will be a natural part of everyday teaching and learning.
ReplyDeleteFor Example: Global Awareness---I began a Wall Wiki with my students last year. It was focused on the conflicts in N. Korea, Egypt and Iraq. I also brought in the Syracuse Post Standard for students to read and share weekly.
I also took away from this opportunity, as I know many of you did, validation of the many things that already meet 21st century characteristics in my classroom.
I enjoyed the collaboration activity (Deb's cookie jars) - I worked with people I didn't know well, and it was nice to see in action people using their strengths to bring organization to a task. It was done in a short time, and it would be fun to see a group of students faced with a challenge to see what would happen.
ReplyDeleteI think the most important idea shift for me is that now when I think of 21st Century Skills I think of "Interpersonal Relationships" more than "Technology". Our students need to work on so many of these areas - as well as how to use and apply knowledge to new situations.
I'd would like to use more design challenges in my class, so I used the spaghetti and marshmallow tower activity. The kids had a great time with it- some more successful than others of course!
ReplyDeleteParticipating in MCS council last year made me feel more confident in my instruction. I am more comfortable letting students have time to develop their skills and show what they know as well as how they think. Hopefully this will develop students who are problem solvers. Also, I have allowed more time in my instruction build on what they know to drive where we go. I thinkmy practice has become more responsive and collaborative.
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