Setting goals for teachers is hard.
First, I think these goals are brilliant. In particular, I think these goals are some of the best that I have seen for PD:
1. What is possible to do with technology that could not be done without it
2. Understand that learner questions and questioning are at the heart of learning
3. Know what it “looks like’ when students are using technology in transformative ways
The ones that I struggle with are when you get into jargon like “voice and choice” or “21st Century Skills”. I struggle with putting goals in front of folks that do not communicate the specific outcomes you are looking because the terms get in the way. With that said, I think you mostly have described a session/initiative that I would very much like to attend. The only things I would add would be about how students become a community of learners or how they can capture their learning and reflect upon within a process of inquiry and through a portfolio.
via Innovations in Education – Backwards Planning Professional Development for 1:1.
Thanks, Ben. I agree that the phrase “21st century skills” needs to go. It is there primarily because CDE continues to use it- embedded in standards, and now part of the new graduation guidelines. But in my district, we are talking about changing this to something more meaningful. Do you have suggestions? It seems like so many educators say they “do” 21st century skils, but I wonder how many really assess these skills – and by assess, I don’t mean just for a grade, but as an opportunity to give students real feedback, so they can improve.
I am also curious about why “voice and choice” seem jargon-y to you? I hesitate to use “personalized learning” because I think this means different things to different people. But voice & choice are a great start to moving towards the kind of personalized learing that will serve our students well.
Thanks, Ben. I agree that the phrase “21st century skills” needs to go. It is there primarily because CDE continues to use it- embedded in standards, and now part of the new graduation guidelines. But in my district, we are talking about changing this to something more meaningful. Do you have suggestions? It seems like so many educators say they “do” 21st century skils, but I wonder how many really assess these skills – and by assess, I don’t mean just for a grade, but as an opportunity to give students real feedback, so they can improve.
I am also curious about why “voice and choice” seem jargon-y to you? I hesitate to use “personalized learning” because I think this means different things to different people. But voice & choice are a great start to moving towards the kind of personalized learing that will serve our students well.