21st Century Skills of a Teacher
and Learners
21st Century Skills of Teacher
A Master of Technology in the Classroom
Technology in the classroom is ever-changing and moving at a rapid pace.
The 21st century teacher is one that moves right along with it. Technology in
the classroom, whether it’s for lessons, assignments, or grading, can help
students learn better and faster, and help make a teacher’s time more
effective. A 21st century teacher does not have to have a class set of tablets
in every child’s hand, or the latest Smartboard. But they can have a nice
balance of educational tools in their classroom. An effective teacher knows
what technology in the classroom can truly help transform their students’
education. They know what the best tools are, and how and when to use them.
Knows How to Collaborate
An effective 21st century educator must be able to collaborate and
work well in a team. Working with others is an important 21st century skill. Over the past few years, being able
to collaborate effectively in the workplace has grown quite rapidly. Learning
is deemed to be more effective when you can share your ideas and knowledge with
others. Sharing your expertise and experience, communicating and learning from
others, and being able to self-reflect is an important part of the learning and
teaching process. An effective 21st century educator must be able to collaborate and
work well in a team. Working with others is an important 21st century skill. Over the past few years, being able
to collaborate effectively in the workplace has grown quite rapidly. Learning
is deemed to be more effective when you can share your ideas and knowledge with
others. Sharing your expertise and experience, communicating and learning from
others, and being able to self-reflect is an important part of the learning and
teaching process.
Is Adaptive
A 21st century teacher is able to adapt to whatever
comes their way. Teaching is a career that has pretty much stayed the same over
the past few decades. The tools have changed over the years (Smartboards have
replaced chalkboards, tablets have replaced textbooks) but the practice has
not. The 21st century teacher is able to look at their practice
and adapt based on the needs of their students. They must be able to adapt
their teaching style to include different modes of learning, adapt when a
lesson fails, and adapt to new technology. They must be able to adapt to the
curriculum and the requirements and be able to use their imagination to teach
in creative ways.
Is a Lifelong Learner
The 21st century educator is a lifelong learner. They
don’t just expect their students to be lifelong learners, but they too stay
current and on top of what’s new in education. Even though they may still use
the same lesson plan from years before, they know how to change it to keep
up-to-date with what is current. A great educator will not only embrace
technology, but be willing to learn more about it.
Advocates for Their Profession
It’s a critical time in education and how it and teachers are being
perceived. With the common core being implemented and judged, the teaching
profession is being met with a close eye now more than ever before. Instead of
sitting back, a 21st century takes a stand for themselves and
advocates for their profession. They pay close attention to the important
issues and talk about them with their community. They keep parents and students
informed on what’s going on in education and address on issues head on.
21st Century learning means teaching just as you have done in the past
centuries, but with way better tools. Today’s teachers have a great
advantage, they have powerful learning tools at their disposal that they didn’t
have before. 21st Century technology is an opportunity for students to acquire
more knowledge. Teachers have the ability to move away from being the dispenser
of information to someone who can guide them and prepare them for their future.
Ultimately, the 21st century learner will be “learner-driven,”
where they choose how and what they want to learn. The teacher will serve as a
facilitator and guide to help embrace 21stcentury learning.
21st Century Skills of Learners
The elements described in this section as “21st century student
outcomes” (represented by the rainbow) are the skills, knowledge and expertise
students should master to succeed in work and life in the 21st century.
Mastery of fundamental subjects and
21st century themes is essential for students in the 21st century. Disciplines
include:English, reading or language arts. World languages, Arts,Mathematics, Economics, Science, Geography, History,Government and Civics
In addition to these subjects, we believe schools must move beyond a focus on basic competency to promoting understanding of academic content at much higher levels by weaving 21st century interdisciplinary themes into curriculum:
In addition to these subjects, we believe schools must move beyond a focus on basic competency to promoting understanding of academic content at much higher levels by weaving 21st century interdisciplinary themes into curriculum:
2. Learning and
Innovation Skills: Learning and innovation skills increasingly are
being recognized as the skills that separate students who are prepared for
increasingly complex life and work environments in the 21st century, and those
who are not. A focus on creativity, critical thinking, communication and
collaboration is essential to prepare students for the future.
3. Information,
Media and Technology Skills: Today we live in a technology and
media-suffused environment with: 1) access to an abundance of information, 2)
rapid changes in technology tools, and 3) the ability to collaborate and make
individual contributions on an unprecedented scale. To be effective in the 21st
century, citizens and workers must be able to create, evaluate, and effectively
utilize information, media, and technology.
4. Life and Career Skills: Today's students need to develop thinking skills, content knowledge, and
social and emotional competencies to navigate complex life and work
environments. P21's essential Life and Career Skills include::
· Flexibility & Adaptability
· Initiative & Self Direction
· Social & Cross-Cultural Skills
· Productivity & Accountability
· Leadership & Responsibility
