Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Partnering for 21st Century Skills
The above titled website provided a medium through which I could explore much of the content that I have been exposed to thus far, but in a much more concise format. This is a document that I can envision referring to again and again.
The partners involved in this initiative are drawn from many of the stakeholders involved in the preparation of students for the 21st century workplace.These stakeholders include both private and public companies, computer and software manufacturers as well as stakeholders involved in curriculum and assessment development such as the Department of Education. Their mandate is powerful from researching best practices to ensuring that everyone gets on board with the program.
The majority of the site focused on explaining the 6 key elements of 21st century learning and the nine steps to building momentum. These provide a good framework for anyone who wants to know how to start infusing these 21st century skills into their classroom structure. In my country some of the core subjects listed are not emphasized such as civics, government, economics and arts and I do not believe that adding this to our packed curriculum will be beneficial. I also do not agree with the National Center for Education that the more content students are taught the more they learn and the better they perform on later achievement tests (pg 23). In St Kitts the government is embarking on a revision of the primary school curriculum because so many students enter high schools having still not mastered basic concepts and skills. It is the common opinion of many educators here that the curriculum is overloaded and hence does not provide enough opportunities of mastery.
In my Caribbean context, where resources are limited many of the steps to build momentum are beyond the capacity of schools to achieve. However, I do see areas where as educators and educator leaders we can begin addressing, for example the development of professional development plan, that ensures that all teachers in my school are versed in the use of technological tools. The sharing of knowledge and skills by one teacher to several can make a big difference. It only takes a spark to get the fire going.
The above titled website provided a medium through which I could explore much of the content that I have been exposed to thus far, but in a much more concise format. This is a document that I can envision referring to again and again.
The partners involved in this initiative are drawn from many of the stakeholders involved in the preparation of students for the 21st century workplace.These stakeholders include both private and public companies, computer and software manufacturers as well as stakeholders involved in curriculum and assessment development such as the Department of Education. Their mandate is powerful from researching best practices to ensuring that everyone gets on board with the program.
The majority of the site focused on explaining the 6 key elements of 21st century learning and the nine steps to building momentum. These provide a good framework for anyone who wants to know how to start infusing these 21st century skills into their classroom structure. In my country some of the core subjects listed are not emphasized such as civics, government, economics and arts and I do not believe that adding this to our packed curriculum will be beneficial. I also do not agree with the National Center for Education that the more content students are taught the more they learn and the better they perform on later achievement tests (pg 23). In St Kitts the government is embarking on a revision of the primary school curriculum because so many students enter high schools having still not mastered basic concepts and skills. It is the common opinion of many educators here that the curriculum is overloaded and hence does not provide enough opportunities of mastery.
In my Caribbean context, where resources are limited many of the steps to build momentum are beyond the capacity of schools to achieve. However, I do see areas where as educators and educator leaders we can begin addressing, for example the development of professional development plan, that ensures that all teachers in my school are versed in the use of technological tools. The sharing of knowledge and skills by one teacher to several can make a big difference. It only takes a spark to get the fire going.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
MY CLASS BLOG
As much as I would like to explore the potential of using blogs as a collaborative space, I feel i need to take baby steps. Therefore I would like to start by using the blog as a class portal, where, notes, homework, instructions and resources are posted. It may even offer opportunities for discussion on a particular topic.
For the grade 11 class I propose creating a blog for the teaching of natural hazards, in particular hurricanes. This will involve explaining the distribution, development and structure of hurricanes as well as the impact of it on life and property, and human response to it.
I believe using blogs in this context will enhance the lesson, as the blog will be a storehouse of information, providing links to sites where more information and images may be obtained, provide access to breaking events, it will help teach students research skills, save time and resources, allow parents to participate in their children's learning and provide transparency for school administrators. There are tremendous benefits to be obtained from all this information plus comments on discussions being located in one space.
For the grade 11 class I propose creating a blog for the teaching of natural hazards, in particular hurricanes. This will involve explaining the distribution, development and structure of hurricanes as well as the impact of it on life and property, and human response to it.
I believe using blogs in this context will enhance the lesson, as the blog will be a storehouse of information, providing links to sites where more information and images may be obtained, provide access to breaking events, it will help teach students research skills, save time and resources, allow parents to participate in their children's learning and provide transparency for school administrators. There are tremendous benefits to be obtained from all this information plus comments on discussions being located in one space.
Saturday, 3 November 2012
About the Author
My name is Amanda Serrant-Edmead, and I was born in the beautiful 'Nature Island of the Caribbean', Dominica. In 1994 I graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography. I also met my future husband there, Randolph, who I married in 1996. I migrated to St. Kitts that same year, since then we have had two wonderful boys, Rohan 13, and Jayden 8. Since my move to St Kitts, I have worked as a teacher of Geography at the Basseterre High School. In 2010, I was promoted to the post of Deputy Principal. I am currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in integrating Technology in the Classroom with Walden University and very excited about it.
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