Teaching for the 21st Century – Connecting the Dots
Creativity and creation lead to student learning and outcomes. However current educational systems tend to impede these essential components to successful and fun learning. Awareness of ways in which students meaningfully learn is not enough. Educators must apply strategies within/outside of the classroom in order to facilitate student learning that fosters the critical thinking skills needed to solve real world, complex issues.
Creating better learning systems starts with practice. Will it be enough if educational changes are not broadly made? These readings helped to frame concepts and issues that we have been discussing in GEDI 2018 throughout the semester. As informed educators we must become activists for changing policies that are in favor of creativity and creation rather than memorization and dissemination. Without policy changes our minor, individual efforts are unlikely to be enough to make a structural difference. However, policies and social environments take a long time to change and successes at the individual and interpersonal (among peers) levels are equally important. Ultimately utilizing tools available to us in order to evolve as educators or coaches is a critical component for future success in order to combat the inevitable discouragement of failure.
Thus, I am excited although realistic with regard to the challenges and benefits to applying student-centered learning outcomes within future classrooms.
