Patrick Ledesma
Patrick Ledesma is a technology specialist in Virginia and a Classroom Fellow with the U.S. Department of Education.
I’m at the Association of Teacher Educators 91st Annual National Meeting in Orlando, Florida as part of my ongoing Classroom Ambassador Fellowship with the US Department of Education. I’m attending a session entitled “Redefining Teacher Education for Digital-Age Learners: A Call to Action” where Paul Resta, Director of the Learning Technology Center at the University of Texas at Austin, is discussing a report that summarizes the recommendations of an invitational summit exploring how teacher education can better serve students in the digital age.
What does it mean to be a 21st Century Teacher? These are the characteristics of a 21st Century Teacher:
Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity so that all students achieve in the global society.
Enable students to maximize the potential of their formal and informal learning experiences.
Facilitate learning in multiple modalities.
Work as effective members of learning teams.
Use the full range of digital-age tools to improve student engagement and achievement.
Work with their students to co-create new learning opportunities.
Use data to support student learning and program improvements.
Work with policy leaders as change agents.
The full report gives additional information on each of these characteristics and provides recommendations for policies at the state and national level for this transformation in teacher education to begin.
As I listen to the characteristics of a 21st century teacher, I’m reminded of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Five Core Propositions from their policy statement “What Teachers Should Know and Be Able to Do”, written in 1989, the 20th Century, so very long ago......
Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
Teachers are members of learning communities.
Have the characteristics of an effective teacher changed from the 20th to the 21st centuries?
I think good teaching is good teaching. I also like how the 21st century teacher characteristics outline how technology has provided more opportunities in education, and how insightful teachers maximize these opportunities for teaching and professional learning.
For example, if we are “committed to students and their learning,” we incorporate the “formal and informal” learning opportunities our students have beyond school. We know how our students learn informally outside school either through their “real world” and online experiences. We know the books they read for personal interest, whether it be on hardcover, paperback, Kindle, Nook, or iPad. We know the sports and musical instruments they play. We know what they like to do on the computer, whether it is games, social networking, or watching instructional online videos on how to use technology on YouTube. We know their experiences with their families.
As effective teachers did in the 20th century, effective teachers in the 21st century will incorporate what they know about students in their formal instruction. The technology in the 21st century will allow the effective teachers to bridge these learning experiences more naturally and seamlessly.
As more digital tools become available and technologies that facilitate learning in multiple modalities through synchronous or asynchronous online environments become more prevalent and accessible, just as effective teachers in the 20th century maximized available resources for their classroom, 21st century teachers will continue seeking additional tools and avenues to improve student learning.
Effective teachers in the 20th century were lifelong learners, teacher leaders, and members of professional communities. Technology in the 21st century maximizes additional opportunities through online teacher networks such as the Teacher Leaders Network, Classroom 2.0, and any number of teacher groups and forums on the Internet.
And, while teacher engagement in policy in the 20th century continues in the 21st century, technology though the Internet and social networks bring a level of policy engagement on a much higher scale than previously possible.
So is effective teaching in the 21st century really any different from effective teaching in the 20th century?
The tools may be different, but the commitment, learning, enthusiasm, and student focus are the same.
Perhaps effective teaching is timeless and yet, evolves with the tools of the times...
The opinions expressed in Leading From the Classroom are strictly those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions or endorsem*nt of Editorial Projects in Education, or any of its publications.
FAQs
A 21st-century teacher must be tech-savvy. This means that he/she must be familiar with the different technological tools available in navigating his/ her work. It is sad to note that many teachers in the 21st century do not know how to use a laptop or desktop.
What are the qualities of a teacher in the 21st century? ›
A: The new teacher needs to possess a range of skills, including technological literacy, adaptability, creativity, and strong communication skills. They also need to be able to collaborate effectively with other teachers and educational professionals.
What is the 21st century teaching? ›
The 21st-century skills classroom focuses on asking questions to encourage critical thinking, inquiry, and reasoning. In all courses, students evaluate, synthesize, and translate ideas to solve problems and complete projects. Teachers also encourage students to hone their reasoning and inquiry skills.
How should a 21st century teacher deal with her students? ›
Without further ado, let's see what positive changes we can make in our classes to prepare our learners for the future.
- Make the experience personal. ...
- Provide authentic content. ...
- Opt for relevant and/or entertaining topics. ...
- Get into 'low-prep for you, higher-level thinking for them' mode. ...
- Give feedback. ...
- Reflect.
Twenty-first century learning refers to developing learning, literacy and life skills as part of the classroom experience. Learning skills encompass critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication, which have been identified as essential for successfully adapting to modern work environments.
Why are 21st century skills important for teachers? ›
21st-century skills are needed for teachers to effectively prepare students for a rapidly changing world and also to utilize new technologies and methodologies in education.
What are the 4 C's of 21st-century learning? ›
The 4 C's to 21st century skills are just what the title indicates. Students need these specific skills to fully participate in today's global community: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity. Students need to be able to share their thoughts, questions, ideas and solutions.
How do you describe yourself as a 21st-century learner? ›
21st century learning is the constellation of learner characteristics which equips students to enjoy a high quality of life, work and relationships by being resilient, intentional, creative and confident learners who understand the value of collaboration, the relationship of effort to results and the need to be ...
How would you describe the 21st-century? ›
It is the first century of the 3rd millennium. The rise of a global economy and Third World consumerism marked the beginning of the century, along with increased private enterprise and deepening concern over terrorism after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
What are the challenges faced by teachers in the 21st century? ›
The 21st-century classroom is a mosaic of diverse student needs and backgrounds. Teachers face the challenge of catering to students with varying learning styles, abilities, and cultural differences. This calls for personalized and inclusive teaching strategies to ensure no one is left behind.
Students are involved in the learning process through activities, discussions, and group work. Teachers give up some of the control and allow students to be motivated by their interests, be part of the decision-making process, as well as all other aspects of their learning.
What are 21st century skills? ›
What Are 21st Century Skills? 21st century skills refer to the knowledge, life skills, career skills, habits, and traits that are critically important to student success in today's world, particularly as students move on to college, the workforce, and adult life.
How do you describe yourself as 21st century learner? ›
21st century learning is the constellation of learner characteristics which equips students to enjoy a high quality of life, work and relationships by being resilient, intentional, creative and confident learners who understand the value of collaboration, the relationship of effort to results and the need to be ...
How do you describe the 21st century classroom? ›
The 21st Century classroom is student centered, not teacher centered. Teachers no longer function as lecturers but as facilitators of learning. The students are learning by doing, and the teacher acts as a coach, helping students as they work on projects.
How would you distinguish a traditional teacher from a 21st century teacher? ›
Traditional Teacher speaks with authority and imposes rules to be followed, Modern Teacher speaks with compassion and allows students to be proactive in decision making.
How do you address 21st century skills in the classroom? ›
10 Ways to Promote 21st-Century Skills in Your Class
- Encourage creativity and critical thinking. ...
- Use technology in the classroom. ...
- Teach collaboration skills. ...
- Encourage global awareness. ...
- Promote digital literacy. ...
- Foster 21st-century communication skills. ...
- Emphasize problem-solving skills. ...
- Develop media literacy skills.
