Education in the 21st century - what does it mean?


Having just celebrated 20 years as a not-for-profit trust (see our last post), we've been reflecting on the amazing facilitators who we've worked with over the years.  We thought we'd ask them to share their thoughts on what they feel is paramount for education in the 21st century.  So, our gift to you - some great condensed pearls of wisdom from some of NZ and the world's leading educationalists.  We'd love to hear your reaction to these comments - and your own soundbites! 

“Four words: curiosity, connectedness, creativity and courage.   With a liberal dose of each of these ingredients, a learner is capable of just about anything.  No program, no curriculum, no set of outcomes, no resource can teach these things; so much depends on the quality and passion of the teacher.  The 21st century needs teachers who are similarly curious, connected, creative and courageous.” Kath Murdoch (AUS)

“Humility, empathy and risk taking, on the part of the teacher, as we shift to a relevant 21st century learning environment where the learners cultivate the 21st century fluencies.” Lee Crockett (CAN)

 “Explicit teaching delivered with commitment, passion and well-researched knowledge.” Tony Ryan (AUS)

“21st century teaching and learning must be based on a new conception of expertise, intelligence and learning: producing and working with knowledge, not merely memorising it; knowing how to find out, not knowing lots.” Clinton Golding (NZ)

“Expansive education: a growing army of teachers dedicated to helping young people develop the mindsets they will need to flourish in a tricky world - through sharing the results of their small-scale classroom experiments”. Guy Claxton (UK)

“What's paramount for 21st century teaching and learning is quite simple in concept and complex in delivery. We need to once and for all remove 'secret service' teaching from our pedagogy. Let the students into their learning; after all it's their learning!” Gavin Grift (AUS)

“All learning should be authentic, apply to the students’ current life and have immediate transfer.  In addition, teachers and principals need a deep understanding of the emotional brain, how it dictates our behaviour and beliefs, and why positive relationships are essential for learning.” Mike Scaddan (NZ)

“21st Century education would do better to place less stress on final exams, and focus more on continual progress; help all learners (pupils and teachers) develop a growth mindset; and ensure that learning is challenging, inspiring and fulfilling for body, mind and spirit.” James Nottingham (UK)

“Young people will need to have a sense of empowerment and the ability to innovate. Developing experiences in social entrepreneurialism where positive solutions to issues facing our world are discussed and developed would meet this need. ” Andrew Fuller (AUS)

“We are preparing young people for an unknown future in an uncertain world; anything less than skilful thinking and independent learning is insufficient.” Graham Watts (UK)

“21st Century learning is about transfer; i.e. teaching so that students can apply their learning to new and unpredictable situations.” Jay McTighe (USA)

Kath, Tony and Lee will be presenting at our 'Cultivating the 21st Century Fluencies' Conference on 2 & 3 July.  Graham Watts is touring NZ in late July/early August.  James Nottingham is back in NZ in January 2013. Click on the links for more information or contact Sue: info@learningnetwork.ac.nz 

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