Teaching 21st Century Learners

     The students of the 21^st century are different from the students that were in classrooms ten years ago. I can only imagine if I had all the currently available resources and technology in my classrooms as a student during the 1990’s. There are teacher- and –student-centered strategies that can be used in instruction. Students no longer have to simply listen to the teacher lecture, but can now take ownership in their own learning. Teachers can now be facilitators in the classroom and allow students to lead the discussion. The old familiar way of teaching students through lecture doesn’t benefit all students. Learning strategies are so important because classrooms consist of students that learn in a variety of ways. A students’ learning style may be kinesthetic, visual, or auditory just to name a few. It is because of the different learning styles that teachers should use various learning strategies in order to engage all students.

     

     Technology plays an important role to assist teachers in addressing the various learning styles of their students. Learning strategies such a presentation, demonstration, problem solving and cooperative learning can all have technology integrated to engage students. Additionally, technology can allow students to learn outside the confines of the traditional classroom setting. Students can learn through distance learning, blended instruction, independent study, and informal study. Each provides a way to engage students in achieving their learning outcomes. (Smaldino, Lowther, Mims & Russell, 2015).

     As a result of the readings this week I realize the necessity of teachers to have knowledge of their students' learning styles. Without understanding the students in your classroom it impossible to address the needs of all students. You may have a classroom that consists of mainly visual learners with exception of a few. In order for all students to benefit all must be considered when planning a lesson. My goal is to be knowledgeable of the technology and strategies that will benefit all my students.

References

Smaldino, S. E., Lowther, D. L., Mims, C., & Russell, J. D.(2015). Instructional Technology and Media for Learning (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc

Learning Styles Chart [Online image]. Retrieved April 29, 2015 from http://www.loving2learn.com/Goals/Charts/LearningStyles.aspx