How do we teach for what the job world wants?
This is an important question that educators need to be continuously asking. I went on a fact- finding mission to gather some information to help clarify what key attributes employers are seeking in prospective employees. The following characteristics are essential to propelling our students to the growth and development of their future careers:
Creative employees
Critical thinkers
Good communicators
Good collaborators
Independent learners
Flexibility
In most school systems across America, what we have instead are the following results from the traditional teaching standards:
Students who follow instruction
Students who are great test takers
Students whose primary goal is getting into college
How can we shift this mindset to produce motivated students who are eager to learn and achieve while gaining a wealth of knowledge to help them in the real world?
Here are some thoughts that I have put together based on my research: Why not create 'real-world' projects that are connected to the real world by limiting our lecturing therefore allowing students to 'do' rather than listen and watch the teacher. This style encourages the students to be more independent and excited to learn on subjects that matter most to them. We can change this by providing a blended learning platform where students:
have some control over their learning
use digital media for some instruction
collaborate with students by providing ample opportunity for them to work within a group setting
use technology to support their learning on a regular basis
provide students the opportunity to work on free choice projects instead of essays and tests
Ultimately, empowering students is about students and teachers learning from each other. I love the quote by John Cotton Dana - "Who dares to teach must never cease to learn."
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