Don't run! RRRR doesn't include Rigor (this time) & CCC doesn't reference common core!
The focus of the early school was Reading, 'Riting, and 'Rithmetic often in a Rote sense. However, we should no longer be thinking like 19th and 20th century educators. We are well into the 21st century. It is time for schools to embrace a CCC approach. The shift from RRRR to Collaboration, Critical thinking, and Curriculum are essential to the next step for Learners.
As we design learning for students we must keep in mind the rate at which the world is changing. Just think about your career. What tools did you use early on? What tools are you currently using? For me, in eleven years in education I have moved from a chalkboard to a dry erase board and from there I utilized Mimio (an interactive whiteboard) and ultimately a SmartBoard. We have gone from a 3 computer classroom to an almost 1:1 device setup. Times are changing and it is no secret that it is happening at an expedited rate. Therefore, as we think about the time we have with students we have to use it wisely. Stop teaching facts (and spelling words) that can be Googled and begin teaching learning skills and strategies. That's where the CCC come in-and no, I mean nothing about the Common Core.
Curriculum: Curriculum references the WHAT of teaching, but the beauty is it doesn't dictate the how. That's where the art of teaching comes in. Yes, it is still important to have learning targets and know what students are accountable for. But it is even more important to let students grow the learning. Allow students to extend their learning and share what they know globally. How we teach the content should be as individual as the students we teach. When planning for a specific learning target we should begin with the end in mind. Look ahead and behind to see how to scaffold and what we are building to. It isn't just about the one skill of the moment, but the bigger picture.
Critical Thinking: While it is important to ensure that students understand grade level and state mandated concepts we have to push them farther. Foster critical thinking by facilitating learning, asking questions, and providing time for students to ask questions and research answers. The answer to most any question is at our fingertips. Show them (and in some instances let them show you) how to find answers, evaluate sources, and synthesize their learning to be shared with others through conversations or products. It is time to make the shift from teacher and owner of the knowedge to facilitator and learner.
Collaboration: Can you think of one occupation that is totally isolated? What facet of life is totally independent? NONE. As preparers of the future we have to be proactive in this sense. We may not know what students will do as they progress in life, but one circumstance is certain: students will be required to collaborate. Provide students the tools, time, and opportunity to collaborate in small groups, large groups, locally, and globally.
The content taught is still very important. Learning targets and student expectations must be the core of what we are teaching. But it is past due for educators to start making intentional plans that include the broad scope of the curriculum, critical thinking, and collaboration.
If you're looking for innovative ways to think & stretch join @jonathankegler & I Sunday nights at 7PM CST on twitter for #nbtchat.
Thanks,
Jenn
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