Preparing World-Class Learners & Responsible Citizens
Like many school districts across the country, the Cedar Rapids Community School District has a vision of "Preparing World Class Learners and Responsible Citizens." In order to be "World Class" it seems we have to consider the changing world around us and make in-process adjustments to the way in which we teach and in which today's learners- learn. In schools, it is critical we become visionary leaders and forward thinkers.
How relevant today is it to memorize the presidents in order? Do we really need to know where every single country in the world is located on a map? Do we continue to spend time teaching information or content that changes so quickly, becomes outdated, can be found on-line on Google within seconds... or simply doesn't apply to today's world? If so, are we really "World Class"? I submit that a focus on the 21st Century Learning Skills (learn more on-line) will help us prepare students for the world in which they will find themselves. The 21st Century Skills focus on processes that can be applied in a changing world and work force.
In education, are we aware of the changes in the world around us? Are we adjusting to the needs of today's learners? Are we visionary leaders and forward thinkers? Are we really preparing students to be "world-class"?
Comments
Enjoyed your entire blog which I came across as I am gathering information for the "partnership group" I am working with here in Nepal as a volunteer. They are media and journalists interested in education and have a passion for improving the quality of education in Nepal and bringing the standards of education up for all children. It is an honor to work with them!They have asked me to begin a search of "What is quality education?" This is a good question and not always easy to answer as your blog indicates for all of us in education. Thanks for the insights and for brushing off the grey matter! Good blogging
Posted by: Nancy | July 11, 2006 01:44 AM
Nancy,
Thanks for your kind words. It sounds like you have an excellent opporutnity to impact quality in education. Keep up the good work and let me know if I can assist in any way.
Jay
Posted by: Jay Marino | July 11, 2006 11:10 AM
Nice blog. Thanks for mentioning that time has come for changes. Institutes in developing/underdeveloped countries the problem is much too serious. I intend to write on htat respect as well. But yuor ideas a re valuable and quite timely.
Posted by: Dr. Ejaz Ahmed | August 8, 2006 03:06 AM