1) What are the learning outcomes established by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning? (Include information about who/what the Partnership itself is.)
The goal of the Partnership is to fuse the gap between the actual knowledge and skills that students learn in school and what knowledge and skills they will need in the 21st century workplaces and communities. The learning outcomes also known as the 21st century student outcomes skills, knowledge and expertise students should master to succeed, such as: Core Subjects and 21st Century Themes, which include subject such as English, reading or language arts, World languages Arts, Mathematics, Economics, Science, Geography, History, Government and Civics. As well as, Learning and Innovation Skills, Information, Media and Technology Skills and Life and Career Skills. (http://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=254&Itemid=120) (http://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=188&Itemid=110)
2) What is Core Knowledge and how does it apply to education theory?
Core Knowledge approaches teaching of a common core of concepts, skills and knowledge in areas of language arts and literature, history and geography, math, science, music, and visual arts. Educational text books broken up by grade level. They focus on the idea that everyone should have the same core knowledge. (http://www.coreknowledge.org/learn-about-us)
3) How does current education practice apply both 21st Century Learning Skills and Core Knowledge?
Yes. With technology changing almost daily we are increasing technology in the classroom. With the Core Knowledge they push language arts and phonics and in our state standards those are required so therefore we are applying those ideas in today's educational practices.
4) OPINION: Do we need more or less emphasis of either Core Knowledge or 21st Century Learning Skills? How would we go about it?
In my opinion, I think both Core Knowledge and 21st Century Learning are important. The correct amount of both would be successful for students. A way to do so would be to take core knowledge lesson plans that focus on state standards and modify them so they have a 21st century aspect on them.
5) How does the US compare to other like-minded countries in our education system? What are our strengths and/or weakness?
U.S. institutions and colleges are the best in the world, and students come from all over the world to get educated. The US in comparison to China segregates high achieving students from lower achieving students.
(http://sitemaker.umich.edu/vanschaack.356/strenghts_and_weaknesses_of_both_systems)
6) How does motivation tie in to student success in the classroom? Give 3 examples of strategies to motivate today's students.
5) How does the US compare to other like-minded countries in our education system? What are our strengths and/or weakness?
U.S. institutions and colleges are the best in the world, and students come from all over the world to get educated. The US in comparison to China segregates high achieving students from lower achieving students.
(http://sitemaker.umich.edu/vanschaack.356/strenghts_and_weaknesses_of_both_systems)
6) How does motivation tie in to student success in the classroom? Give 3 examples of strategies to motivate today's students.
A motivated student is more likely to succeed than a student who drags themselves to school and has no desire to do well or learn anything. I think there are many ways to motivate students however I think it all starts with a positive teacher. A positive teacher has a better effect on a student and whether they are motivated or not. Praise students positively in class discussion if they have done something well, display good work around the classroom, send home positive notes to parents etc. Another way to motivate students to do well would be relate lesson plans to their lives and things that interest them as individuals. Another way would be to set goals with each individual, however, make the goals realistic. In addition to setting goals, you could reward the student once they have reached a specific goal.
7) What are the NETS for students?
7) What are the NETS for students?
NETS stand for National Educational Technology Standards. They are designed to help students work, live, and contribute to the social and civic fabric of their communities. It is a form of digital-age learning. (http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx)
8) How does your current skill set compare to the NETS for teachers?
I think that my current skill set is easily comparable to NETS. Technology is taking over society more and more every day. Integrating these technological life skills in the classroom is important and the result should be that students will be ready for real life issues in both the cyber world and real world. (http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers/nets-for-teachers-2008.aspx)
9) What does research say about using Interactive Whiteboards? What are the pros and cons? Would you want to have one in your classroom?
9) What does research say about using Interactive Whiteboards? What are the pros and cons? Would you want to have one in your classroom?
Research shows that using Interactive Whiteboards, such as the SMART Board or the Promethean Board, have increased students engagement in the classroom. They benefit and reach out to all multiple learning styles as well. Interactive whiteboards are typically very exciting to students and students tend to be more motivated when using them. They are becoming more and more popular in classrooms. I would enjoy using one in my classroom. There are so many possibilities when using one and ways to improve lessons by using an interactive whiteboard. (http://www2.smarttech.com/NR/rdonlyres/2C729F6E-0A8D-42B8-9B32-F90BE0A746D8/0/Int_Whiteboard_Research_Whitepaper_Update.pdf)
