David Black posted on April 25, 2008 11:46
There were a couple new ideas I gleaned from participants in my sectional. First, a teacher in the session on 21st century students made the comment that she believes that the students of today are really part of a transitional generation between the world and virtual worlds. If that is the case, then our STUDENTS are far more likely to experience angst over the rapidly changing technologies than those of us in our 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. I have no way to predict whether this will be true, but if so, our student's and their generation will experience the discomfort of change even more acutely. I can think of a better example of the urgency of integrating 21st century skills in our schools -- skills which will allow our students to effectively adapt no matter what changes are thrown at them.
I also had a participant share an idea which I have never considered. For certain projects, this teacher allows the class to collaborate to create the grading rubric for the teacher, sometimes even working in conjunction with parents in order to build this rubric. What an interesting idea! That would be another step in providing students to take ownership of their own learn, with the guidance of the teacher.
On reason I love presenting is because I get so much out of the experience for my own teaching and ministry. If there is anyone who is reading this post that was a part of one of my sessions, I won't to thank you for participating and for being a part of my learning network.