“libraries need to constantly innovate so that they don’t lose their relevance” … “books don’t need silence to remain in good condition” … “books are typically read at the same time and place as people drink and have food - why not mix the two”. Librarian DOK, Delft, The Netherlands.”
SCIL - the Sydney Centre for Innovation in Learning→
/The research and innovation unit of Northern Beaches Christian School, Sydney, Australia.
Engagement is the key
/People ask what is 21st century learning. It is an interesting question because I am tempted to say that we shouldn’t try to define it. It definitely involves respect and engagement. There has to be mutual respect. At every point the teacher needs to strive to get the students take ownership of their learning and have global engagement as the objective. A car will not move an iota if the gears are not engaged. Teachers have to target this for every student. Once achieved, like a car, learning should move forward. I think the best description of the role of the teacher within this new context is as teacher-leader and teacher-mentor.
Why change?
/The more I think of this - the more I am convinced. Teachers not only revert to the default position provided through our colonial / industrial heritage in schooling, but they also misunderstand their role in the classroom. Teachers have traditionally fallen somewhere on what I would label as the teacher-as-entertainer axis. Some are good entertainers - but even in this circumstance, not all students like all entertainers. Most teachers will exhaust themselves trying to be successful within this axis. It is a very risky model. A poor entertainer will revert to trying to control the audience. This is a very dangerous model for learning - so much is at risk. We need to alter the axis of learning.
