The Difference a Century Makes in Education

       A 21st century teacher must engage and prepare all students to be active participants in our exciting and quick changing global community. Today's students need to master a new set of skills that will prepare them for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Students need to know how to collaborate effectively, think critically and creatively, and use technology tools to communicate (the 4 C’s), while still focusing on reading, writing, and arithmetic (the 3 R’s). 4 C’s + 3 R’s = Strong Success for 21st century students. 

Melinda Kolk, March 30, 2011

      
 Technology has had a huge and positive impact on education. As a result, teachers are now required to have digital skills that were not necessary in the past. With the unlimited information that students can easily access online, teachers no longer need to have students think of things, but think about them.There has been a paradigm shift from teacher-centered classrooms to student-centered classrooms. 21^st century teachers place students at the center of their own learning, they have a voice in why, what, and how their learning experiences will take shape. Inquiry and/or project based learning is motivating students to learn, it makes learning experiences more relevant and meaningful. 

Lori Reed: “21st Century Learners 21st Century Learning”, June 22, 2011

For further information on the 21^st century teacher I suggest reading Tsisana Palmer's article found on: http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/15-characteristics-21st-century-teacher