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.