Learning for the 21st Century

When looking at this website for the fist time it is rather overwhelming. http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/images/stories/otherdocs/p21up_Report.pdf In reality it is a plan that has been drawn up to address the achievement gap of the 21st century. They layout their plan in three sections:

• Defining the Need for Change
• The Key Elements of 21st Century Learning
• Implementing 21st Century Learning Skills: 9 Steps to Build Momentum

Each of these sections is broken down in to subsections where the major information is bulleted for easy understanding. Although the information is wordy key points are hard to miss.

As an educator I was surprised when I saw how many big businesses where a part of this program along with the U.S. Department of Education. I was a little skeptical of the information that was to follow but quickly realized that I agree with all major points. As you read through one notices that there is a major focus on the learner, how they learn and making a connection to their personal lives. For example:

• Education that connects to students' lives
• Education that reflects how people learn
• Emphasizing core subjects
• Emphasizing learning skills
• Develop learning skills
• 21st century context
• 21st century content
• Assessment to measure skills

The ultimate goal of this project is to focus on the preparation of our students for the 21st century. To posses the skills necessary to become successful and productive members of an ever changing world by using the technology that is available and accessible. As an educator in today's schools, it is my job to use these tools to help prepare my students for the world ahead of them.