1. What are the learning outcomes established by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning? (Include information about who/what the Partnership itself is.)

The Partnership for 21^st Century Learning (P21) is an organization that advocates for student readiness. P21 provides tools and resources for the education system in the U.S. to help keep up, as the U.S. competes in a global economy. The student outcomes that P21 describes are:

Core Subjects and 21^st Century Themes

Learning and Innovation Themes

creativity and innovation

critical thinking and problem solving

communication and collaboration
Information, Media and Technology Skills

Information Literacy

Media Literacy

ICT Literacy

Life and Career Skills

Resources

http://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=254&Itemid=119

2. What is Core Knowledge and how does it apply to education theory?

Core Knowledge is the strong foundation of knowledge that every child needs to know, and has the right to know. Knowledge builds on knowledge, the more a person knows, the more they are able to learn.

Resources

http://www.coreknowledge.org/

3. How does current education practice apply both to 21st Century Learning Skills and Core Knowledge?

While core knowledge is crucial, I believe the education system is moving away from just utilizing core knowledge. We are looking to balance our education system.

Resources

http://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=254&Itemid=119

http://www.coreknowledge.org/

4. Do we need more or less emphasis of either Core Knowledge or 21st Century Learning Skills? How would we go about it?

I believe we need more emphasis on both. However the need for our students to have strong core knowledge is vitall. I also strongly believe that 21st Century Learning skills are important, especially for the US education system. We just can't compete with China, and certain other countries when it comes to core knowledge. I think it is beneficial to ouudents to have a healthy balance of both.

5. How does the US compare to other like-minded countries in our education system? What are our strengths and/or weakness?

The United States international education rankings have fallen to “average”. These rankings were released by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This report compares the skills and knowledge of 15 year olds in 70 countries around the world. The United States was ranked 14^th out of 34 OECD countries for reading skills, 17^th for science, and a below average 25^th for math. Math is clearly our weakness.

Resources

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/07/us-falls-in-world-education-rankings_n_793185.html

6. How does motivation tie in to student success in the classroom? Give 3 examples of strategies to motivate today's students.

Many factors affect a student’s ability to learn. Some students need more motivation then others, and it is up to the teacher to maintain the interest of all their students.

Giving frequent and positive feedback to students helps their confidence in themselves that they can do well. Research has shown that good teaching practices and a well organized curriculum taught by an enthusiastic teacher who shows interest in their students, helps to motivate students, and leads to higher student success.

1. Connect learning to real life
1. “Budget project”
2. Incentives for doing well on standardized tests
1. Off campus passes
3. Set high expectations
1. Set clear goals and expectations for students, and do everything you can to help them succeed at those goals. The success will motivate students to be proud, and continue to do well.

Resources

http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/motiv.htm

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=7377

7. What are the NETS for students?

National Education Technical Standards
Standards that identify higher order thinking skills that are crucial for students to learn to be effective and successful in our global economy. NETS will help students to live, work, and contribute in their social communities.

1. Demonstrate creativity and innovation
2. Communicate and collaborate
3. Conduct research and use information
4. Think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
5. Use technology effectively and productively

Resources

http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx