What does a 21st century classroom look like to me? I have been on a quest to answer this question for the last seven weeks. Over the course of my research, and within the context of the theory of this course, I am able to provide the following as my answer:
A 21st century classroom acknowledges the needs of the future citizen and active member of society. Through innovative pedagogical frameworks, coupled with unique opportunities to maximize the usefulness of technology, students work towards attaining content specific knowledge while sharpening 21st century skills including critical and creative thinking, problem-solving capabilities, effective communication and a willingness to successfully work collaboratively. In addition, a 21st century classroom acknowledges and embraces diversity and tackles issues dealing with inequality in a manner that is inclusive and inspiring. Twenty-first century learners are open-minded, informed, and able to voice their researched opinions confidently after having engaged in rigorous, collaborative inquiry.
A 21st century educator is an advocate for necessary change and is willing to take a risk in their approaches in order to foster growth in themselves and their students. They are always reflecting on their practice, identifying their biases, and acquainting themselves with their personal beliefs so as to project an image of impartiality. Furthermore, educators are providing ample and diverse assessment opportunities for their students while engaging in regular feedback to support students’ personal and academic development. Finally, 21st century educators and students will flourish in whatever “classroom” they are subjected to due to their resiliency and determination.
As a final activity for this assignment, I asked my colleagues what they envision a 21st century classroom to be. I thank all those who stepped out of their comfort zone and offered their perspective. What I have noticed, is that our vision of a 21st century classroom doubles as our educational philosophy. For this reason, there is arguably no “right” answer. The focus should not be on the little differences in our perspectives, rather on drawing upon the strengths of our commonalities so as to provide learning environments that are safe and welcoming for our students.
As you read through a couple of quotes from my colleagues, I invite you to think of what YOUR vision is for a 21st century classroom and/or learner, and leave a comment so as to add to the conversation.
“The 21st Century Student: I’d like students to learn to balance their virtual lives with their real ones. To learn to give their undivided attention (a precious commodity in schools) to well designed and executed lessons. And, to learn to discern between good and bad information of which there is lots online.
The 21st Century Teacher: I’d like teachers to become more experimental and less concerned with how they think they may be judged for the things they are trying in their classes. I’d like teachers to contemplate longer on how their planning and choices affect their students and for them to become more aware of their actions in the moment in class - to increase “teacher awareness” and become less reactionary. To make use of “play” strategically in class … I like to generalize the concept of play to mean anything with an aim or goal, with a clear path to success and feedback to inform the “player” what still remains missing.”
The 21st Century Environment: [W]e are seeing how learning need not be confined to the classroom. It can take place, outdoors, at home, asynchronously, and even online in virtual classrooms. I’d definitely like to see science and technology equipment updated (digital scales and thermometers for example), but I’d also like for intentional teaching and learning to creep into the students’ already existing virtual worlds. New communications technologies such as Flipgrid, Zoom, and Google classroom make meeting online functional, but I’d like to also see an increased use of interactive online environments (a place where teachers and students co-create digitally) as well as simulations. That said, there are a lot of low-tech strategies that are still very powerful and one should learn to incorporate them in this brave new world.”
Samuel Altarac-Hofmann
Science and Technology Consultant
Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board
“A 21st century science and technology classroom looks like an environment where students are at the core of their learning; a student-centered classroom where students explore different scientific topics on their own and with their classmates, to enhance both their learning and their autonomy. Additionally, a 21st century science and technology classroom does not hide away from taboo topics - pseudoscience is addressed and students are taught how to differentiate between reality and "fake news", women in science are discussed and the difficulties that accompany them, and the incorporation of ethics within the scientific field.
A 21st century science and technology classroom also benefits from all the technology, devices and tools available and integrates them in the classroom to enrich student learning. Finally, the 21st century science and technology classroom is catered to students' limitations and/or impairments, by incorporating the appropriate technology to suit their needs.”
Zeina Salameh
Instructional Designer
McGill University Faculty of Medicine