21st Century Skills

After visiting and exploring the Web site for the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/), I was surprised at how encompassing and extensive this site is. Even so, it was easy to navigate and clearly organized. With an understanding of the discrepancies between what skills students will need to succeed in the workplace and what skills they are actually obtaining, this organization serves as a link between education, business, communities, and government. In addition, they have determined a set of skills that they deem necessary for students to obtain. This list focused on the following topics: communications; financial or economic; problem solving; and social, interpersonal, global, and civil literacy skills.

One aspect that surprised me about this site's content was the fact that only ten states have become P21 Leadership States where they are able to demonstrate a commitment, submit an application, and determine a plan of action. Although this is a start, certainly more states will need to begin this process, if they have not already, in order for all students in this country to be competitive and able to secure employment.

The professional enhancement opportunities at this site were numerous. As teachers, this is a great resource for us to utilize. There are publications to read and subscribe to, an online reference section, a speaker's bureau that includes workshops and seminars, and a list of professional development affiliates with contact information.

This site will provide me with a framework to shape my classroom instruction on. When planning and developing lessons, I can refer to the many suggestions provided by qualified and practiced individuals interested in furthering the cause of promoting 21st century skills.

Classroom Blogging

Classroom Blogging

Although I have not used a blog in my classroom yet, I am awaiting permission from my IT department to create and use one. I would like to use a blog to discuss and share ideas on work ethics. Classes at my school are ten weeks long, and we emphasize ten good work ethics words/traits. Each week I would pose a question concerning the "word of the week".

Currently, we use a discussion board that is part of the online delivery at our school, or we debate the merits face to face in class. Participating in a blog would/could open the discussion to more classes/students and offer more points of view.

Potential problems might be remembering to show respect while discussing; remembering to use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation; and remembering to stay on the subject. I think that by initially (and maybe continually) reviewing expectations, these problems would be minor. Also, I would like to set up the blog so that I have control over what is published; and, for privacy, students use only first names.

The age range in my classes this quarter is from 17-60. Some students feel very comfortable with the possibility of blogging and others are uneasy. I think that most students would enjoy participating in this new way to communicate once they are able to try it and are offered instruction on proper usage.

Greetings!

Hi! This is my 33rd year as a Business Education teacher. Designing this blog has helped me to explore and begin to understand the skills my students will need when they create and participate in their own blogs. I welcome any comments and suggestions on ways to utilize blogs to enrich the classroom experience for my students. How will you be using them?