Recently I saw an info graphic on the Internet that caught my eye. “19th century buildings, 20th century teaching, 21st century learners” I had to stop and ponder on this thought for a while. Although I don’t believe all of our classrooms are from the 19th century, it did make me wonder a few things. So I ask you this, how have children changed over the last 200 years? Because I think most of us would say – How haven’t they changed! I think we could even repeat the sentence but say how have children changed over the last 20 years and we would notice some astounding differences. Yet, I challenge you, how has our teaching and learning changed?
Everyday, our students come to school and I think some of them feel like, everyday, they are Marty McFly (if they knew who that was). Travelling through time. Going back, back in time. At home they are connected creatures interacting through gaming, social media and videos. Then they come to school, where they are encounter blocks on the Internet. Where they are told they are not allowed to interact socially through devices and have to learn using 20th century tools that almost seem foreign.
John Cowa, superintendent of schools in Iowa, believes that we are at a “printing press moment” in the history of humanity. The invention of the printing press amplified and shared thinking, eventually turning every system of its day upside down. The printed word empowered all who could read to explore and share knowledge. All the history buffs out there will recall the moment the Bible was made available to the masses, resulting in a fractured Catholic Church, governments falling, and new systems of social class and economics rising. Are we again at a printing press moment in time? How will we handle it? Will we fall, or will we rise?
While pedagogy needs to be at the center of change for our 21st century students, our classroom design also needs to be at the forefront of our thinking. How can we create learning environments where students are engaged, stimulated and encouraged to be creative thinkers and learners? Learning environments in today’s world should be a space where learning is promoted as an activity. The spaces should support collaboration as well as the personalized journey.
I have had the privilege to work in a school that is dedicated to rising in this next printing press moment. No longer will you find students sitting in rows, listening to the ‘expert’ at the front of the room. Here at Pacific Lutheran College, classes are hives of activity. Inquiry learning is at the forefront. Deep thinking and understanding is constant. Collaboration, real world connections are paramount. And classrooms are evolving to meet the pedagogical shift that the college has embraced.
Such an exciting time to be an educator. More to come soon.
Everyday, our students come to school and I think some of them feel like, everyday, they are Marty McFly (if they knew who that was). Travelling through time. Going back, back in time. At home they are connected creatures interacting through gaming, social media and videos. Then they come to school, where they are encounter blocks on the Internet. Where they are told they are not allowed to interact socially through devices and have to learn using 20th century tools that almost seem foreign.
John Cowa, superintendent of schools in Iowa, believes that we are at a “printing press moment” in the history of humanity. The invention of the printing press amplified and shared thinking, eventually turning every system of its day upside down. The printed word empowered all who could read to explore and share knowledge. All the history buffs out there will recall the moment the Bible was made available to the masses, resulting in a fractured Catholic Church, governments falling, and new systems of social class and economics rising. Are we again at a printing press moment in time? How will we handle it? Will we fall, or will we rise?
While pedagogy needs to be at the center of change for our 21st century students, our classroom design also needs to be at the forefront of our thinking. How can we create learning environments where students are engaged, stimulated and encouraged to be creative thinkers and learners? Learning environments in today’s world should be a space where learning is promoted as an activity. The spaces should support collaboration as well as the personalized journey.
I have had the privilege to work in a school that is dedicated to rising in this next printing press moment. No longer will you find students sitting in rows, listening to the ‘expert’ at the front of the room. Here at Pacific Lutheran College, classes are hives of activity. Inquiry learning is at the forefront. Deep thinking and understanding is constant. Collaboration, real world connections are paramount. And classrooms are evolving to meet the pedagogical shift that the college has embraced.
Such an exciting time to be an educator. More to come soon.