21st Century Learning and Teaching

Behavior changes in people doesn't just happen from one day to the next. Changes in this area takes time - and often, the motto: "You can´t teach an old dog new tricks" applies. Nevertheless - the situation is not hopeless and people are capable of change and are often willing to do so. You are likely to achieve the desired success, if you consider the following four "change levers":

Attitude & Motivation

Knowledge & Skills

Structures & Processes

Role Models & Culture

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https://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=change

When we were growing up, our teachers saluted great individuals who changed the course of history; during dinnertime, our parents lovingly recalled their idols; and of course, we had our own personal heroes who walked on water. They were wonderful role models.

Martin Luther King, Princess Diana, Leonard Bernstein, Walter Cronkite, Colin Powell, Helen Keller, Ronald Reagan, Bill Gates, John Kennedy, Vince Lombardi, Steve Jobs, the Beatles, Tim Russert, John Glenn, Mother Teresa . . . to name a few.

There was something about these role models that made them special. They led by example, raised the bar for us, and were simply the best of the best. We might have even wanted to be them, someday.

We looked up to them, and to other role models, because of their accomplishments, such as overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness, speaking up when no one else would, living rags-to-riches stories, being poster children for honesty and integrity, putting others’ needs ahead of their own, and fighting tirelessly for causes they believed in. Many of these role models changed our world . . . forever.

I know it’s a generality, but would you be proud if your kids followed in the footsteps of many of today’s politicians, professional athletes, Hollywood celebrities, or pop musicians? There’s no need to mention them by name. You know who I’m talking about. Sure, there are some wonderful role models to celebrate, but too many of today’s public figures are train wrecks –– purveyors of greed, recklessness, or dishonesty. Too often they’re excused for drug and alcohol abuse, marital infidelity, and personal arrogance as we sit mesmerized by their fame. Need I say more?

I’m not suggesting that role models have to be saints, but let’s get real. Many executives can’t tell the difference between right and wrong until they’re caught, many politicians appear to treat integrity as a liability, and celebrities live so close to the edge that many are in danger of falling off. Shame? Disgust? Public outrage? Nope. . . Too many journalists are no longer interested in reporting the facts; they’re more concerned with ratings, shaping the news, or giving cover to those who subscribe to their personal views. Obviously, there’s a void that needs to be filled.

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https://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=LeaderShip

https://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=Frank+SONNENBERG

“But we’ve always done it that way” is the comfortable, regular, and normal barrier to enacting change.

And, our reluctance to change — in our personal and our professional lives — not only limits progress, it also prizes old ways of doing and being that, by design, were exclusive. When we rely on the ways we have always done it, likely we are also relying on our past efforts, and history on many fronts tells us that our past efforts weren’t the most inclusive or equitable.

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https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/still-following-we-have-always-done-it-this-way-or-already-on-growth-mindset/

Kids do crazy things, but we expect more from grown-ups, don’t we? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Folks scream obscenities at ballgames, bully people on social media, and treat others with total disrespect. If you think this behavior is rude, insensitive, and tasteless, you’re right. But why is it so prevalent? The truth is, some people behave this way for personal gain; some folks don’t know better; and others know they’ll get away with it — because they have in the past. Some grown-ups never grow up.

While some indiscretions were once considered outlandish, we’ve become desensitized to these actions. It’s troubling that some of this behavior could have been avoided, but too many of us didn’t speak up. Instead, we closed our eyes to the poor behavior and waited for others to make the first move. The consequence is that wrongs committed by enough people become the norm over time. We have no one to blame except ourselves.

As leaders, role models, and parents, we must utilize every opportunity to reinforce the values that we hold dear.

What Values Do You Cherish?
Are polite manners a thing of the past? Should people honor their word? Is it Pollyanna to expect people to do what’s right? I think not! But if we don’t promote good values, don’t be surprised when bad ones become the norm. “How do we improve the situation?” you ask.

First, we must modify our criterion of excellence. It’s not what you have but who you are that counts. Moral character matters!

Learn more / En savoir plus / Mehr erfahren:

https://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=Frank+SONNENBERG

http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=Character

http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?q=ethics

https://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Values

http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Growth+Mindset

THINKING CLASSROOM PHILOSOPHY IN 4 QUESTIONS

What ?

Teach learners how to think and learn Discover, value and use learners' strengths and interests
Combine the best new educational practices with the best traditional ones
Build and enrich learning relationships
Develop growth mindset characteristics and grit

Why ?

Because learners need knowledge, flexible skills and grit to succeed
Because future economic & life success depends on skills and creativity
Because everyone learns in a unique way
Because education must continually prepare learners for an exciting but uncertain future
Because of Article 13a, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

How ?

By continually increasing the effectiveness of teaching
By teaching for character as well as content
By valuing each learner for what they do well
By educating for skills, character and values as well as knowledge
By preparing learners for their futures not our pasts
By valuing, supporting and resourcing all educators

What if...

All learners were engaged, excited and interested in their lessons?
'School' evolved to match different lifestyles and different learning styles?
Teachers had time to enjoy their profession and real opportunities to thrive?
There was only one initiative and it was called "Learning"?

Learn more / En savoir plus / Mehr erfahren:

https://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=Soft+Skills

http://peterliljedahl.com/wp-content/uploads/Building-Thinking-Classrooms-Feb-14-20151.pdf

Communication matters. While a few words can make someone feel special, words poorly chosen have the power to kill a relationship or tarnish a reputation.

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https://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=Frank+SONNENBERG