What To Look For In Today’s Classroom
by TeachThought Staff
What are the kinds of things you should look for in today’s classroom?
The common response often begins and ends with technology, but as we’ve discussed often, it’s not about the technology. To a point, illustration-guru Sylvia Duckworth repackaged ed leader George Couros’ take here by visualizing on the kinds of things you might notice in a modern classroom.
We’ve added some related tools or opportunities for further reading to each item. Let us know in the comments which you think is the most important, or which you’d like to focus on in your classroom during the second half of the school year.
See also: 10 Team-Building Games That Promote Critical Thinking
8 Things To Look For In Today’s Classroom
1. Voice
Students should learn from others and then share their learning.
2. Choice
Strength-based learning. Give students a choice.
3. Time For Reflection
Everyone (teachers, administrators, students) should write about and reflect on what is being learned.
See also: Helping Students Reflect On Their Learning
4. Opportunities For Innovation
Example: Build a hovercraft from a YouTube video.
5. Critical Thinkers
Ask questions and challenge what you see.
See also: 25 Resources For Critical Thinking
6. Problem-Solvers/Finders
Give students tough challenges and let them find innovative solutions.
See also: A Diagram Of 21st Century Pedagogy
7. Self-Assessment
Important that students know how to do this. Use portfolios.
8. Connected Learning
Bring experts into your class via social media and video-conferencing.
See also: The Power Of Social Learning Models
8 Things To Look For In Today’s Classroom