The article “Teaching the 21st Century Learner” brings
out some valid points about the difference between the learners of the present
and those of yesteryears. It points out the technological developments that
have taken place in the recent years and how it has impacted on the lives of
the younger generation. It also discusses the changes that can be made to make
learning more attractive for the modern student.
“Authentic Learning for the 21st century” focuses on
how learning can be enhanced by focusing on real life problems and how the
knowledge gained can help with their solution. The method to incorporate these
lifelike scenarios in the preset learning scheme is by using technology. The
author then further elaborates on how various forms of technology is being used
at different institutions around the globe to amalgam these concepts into their
teaching process. Lastly the article discusses the effectiveness and importance
of such learning methodology.
I do tend to agree with most
of the points raised in these two articles. It is indeed true that learners and their
perceptions towards learning have changed and hence it is imperative for educator
to adapt to the mode of delivery of learning. Educational technology has become
as integral part of the learning-teaching process and it is found to be utmost beneficial
for the learner in the 21st century.
Hi Atif,
ReplyDeleteThe idea of what it means to be a learner has changed significantly over the last few decades (at least, I think so). One example I always use is that of graphing conic sections in Algebra (parabolas, hyperbolas, etc.). Historically, that was a useful skill for mathematicians and natural scientists. But now, I have my doubts about what anyone would really need to know it for. At best it would be needed by a relatively small percentage of people in certain fields. And yet where I'm from, it's required for virtually every student who graduates high school. This is an instance where real life problems will keep us from teaching something that isn't really necessary - or at least for us to demonstrate the value of teaching something like that by finding a real life problem it applies to.
Cheers,
Dean
Hi Dean
DeleteWholeheartedly agree with you that there are many a portions of in the high school curriculum (conical and quadric shapes included) that are only meant for a select few. Hence it has been and is being taught over and over again.
I am afraid I do not have an answer on why it is so but it is a world wide problem indeed.
Tell me about it - I'm struggling to support my 16 year old daughter with maths and science I haven't seen or used since school!!To be honest I don't see a lot of change in teaching and learning methods when it comes to prepping for formal 'sit down' exams. I know that in previous years there was greater scope for group projects that really could utilise all that the web and collaboration tools had to offer. Unfortunately that opened the door for other people - often parents!! to do the work for their kids - no wonder grades in the UK shot up during those years! The kids today are pretty good at locating information on the net and social networking but it's clear that some discernment training is absolutely necessary for them and a huge mind-shift is necessary for teachers!
ReplyDelete