What does 21st century learning look like?

It's been a tremendous semester of exploring, learning and growing for our family. We now have 2 avid readers in our house, as well as a 1yo speaking full sentences and counting to 20. I taught my first economics class and was inspired to start the business I've been dreaming of. After a full day at the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center, I was writing my STEM class lessons for next semester and thought about what 21st century learning looks like. The technology my children study today will be far outdated by the time they are adults. What inspires curiosity and the desire to pursue something that continues to change? What motivates students to complete work? What skills will they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world where today’s jobs will be replaced with future ones that don't yet exist? I realized that its not specific “how to” skills that will help in the future…it is soft skills in a team, critical thinking, being solution oriented and confident enough to keep trying when a problem seems impossible to solve. Having foundational knowledge is vital to problem solving, but being able to creatively use that to think outside the box with an unfamiliar project is what leads to solutions.

I've always taken a project based learning approach to learning, even before it was trendy. I'll share more on those values another day, but as I go into my next semester of teaching I'm thrilled to be offering 2 very hands on STEM classes and global geography that will extend into future lessons with more complex and entrepreneurial experiences as my students grow their knowledge base and confidence. Integrated learning of multiple subjects and teams based structure with higher grades mentoring lower grades is representative of the one room schoolhouse where my grandmother taught decades ago... as well as family style home education today. It is sharing information and learning to collaborate with others who have different strengths and weaknesses. Older students have stronger math skills while younger students aren't afraid to try anything, everyone wins…together. Good verbal and written communication skills are vital in my classes and everyone has the opportunity to practice their public speaking skills.

The next school year will be a fun and exciting one for our family and those that join us in learning! As you plan your next semester, how will you incorporate hands on, integrated experiences that plan for an unknown future?