21st Century learning what is that ? Well, I have to say that I agree that we as educators are not teaching our students what they will need in their futures. I liked the six key elements to 21st century learning. 1. emphasize core subjects 2. emphasize learning skills 3. use 21st century tools to develop learning skills 4. teach and learn in a 21st century context 5. teach and learn in 21st century content, 6. use 21st century assessments that measure 21st century skills.
It does not suprise me that phyical educaiton does not fall under the 21st century core subjects. However, really it should be. Look at all the health issues that we are having. Today's youth do not know how to take care of their bodies. Therefore leading to more health issues. I really do believe that Physical educaiton should be on the core subject list.
As a contemporary teacher the implications are hard because the subject in which I teach is not said to be a core by NCLB or 21st century. Therefore the students do not believe that what I am teaching in important. The more technology that I can incorporate in will aid in the buy in later and will help my students further succeed in their technological careers.
References
Partnership for 21st Century Skills (.nd) A report and Mile guide for21st century skills. Washington D.C. Author. Retrieved from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/images/stories/otherdocs/p21up_Report.pdf
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Physical education is not only important for the health of our students, but many of the 21st century skills described by Dr. Thornburg (Laureate Education, 2008) can be taught through physical education. Dr. Thornburg listed communication skills, teamwork, leadership, and ethics among the skills that students should be learning to be globally competitive in the 21st century. All of these skills can be taught and refined in the setting of team sports and physical activities. Regardless of the core subjects identified by NCLB and Partnership for 21st Century Skills, the skills you teach are essential for our students' future success. You can stress this to them by sharing with them the list of 21st century skills that Dr. Thornburg provides and discussing how your lessons help to foster those skills.
ReplyDeleteLaureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Understanding the impact of technology on education, work, and society. Baltimore: Author.
Physical Education teachers across the country are frustrated with the lack of support from the statewide assessments and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, which states the only core (implying important) subjects to be "English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics, government, economics, arts, history and geography" (http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/images/stories/otherdocs/p21up_Report.pdf). The two areas that I believe most 21st century educators would agree are missing are physical education and technology/computer. While the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and NCLB do not explicitly state physical education as a core subject, I think that it is one of the best subjects for "Emphasizing Learning Skills," the second element for creating 21st century skills. The partnership states, "As much as students need knowledge in core subjects, they also need to know how to keep learning continually throughout their lives" (http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/images/stories/otherdocs/p21up_Report.pdf). What better subject to teach lifelong skills than personal health? Students need to understand the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of physical fitness and proper nutrition. They will be making health choices for the rest of their lives, from grocery shopping to selecting a fitness routine to making medical decisions. Even though physical education does not have enthusiastic support from the higher powers of the education system, the educators need to work to make sure students are getting the lifelong skills that they need (and are supported by groups like Partnership for 21st Century Skills). Using various methods, especially technology, can make physical education a subject that students care about, and hopefully the government will jump on the bandwagon.
ReplyDeleteSorry- the references for my post were from Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). A report and mile guide for 21st century skills. Washington DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/images/stories/otherdocs/p21up_Report.pdf.
ReplyDeleteIt really is sad that school districts across the country are cutting their physical education programs because of No Child Left Behind. There is a concern that the higher administration believes there is not a need since they do not need "healthy physically active" students to make AYP. However, if the body is not healthy neither will the mind. There have been many cultures that believed the overall well-being – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually requires the harmonious balance of all.
ReplyDeleteThe Partnership for 21st Century Skills said, " In a digital world, students need to learn to use the tools that are essential to everyday life and workplace productivity." One skill students need to have is global awareness about health issues and exercise. Finding and evaluating information about our health is a very important skill to keep our minds and bodies healthy. Our youth need to know which websites they can turn to for valuable information about health, diet and exercise. Also obesity is a problem in the United States as well as other regions around the world. Our youth need to be prepared to handle the stresses the workplace can force on us and in turn find healthy alternatives to cope with these stresses. Physical education is very important and we need to support our administrators and governments in keeping physical education a top priority in our schools.
ReplyDeleteresources:
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.) A report and mile guide for 21st century skills. Washington DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.21centuryskills.org.images/stories.otherdocs/p21up_Report.pdf
Katherine L.