So, I took a deep breath... (k-12 Post)

So, I took a deep breath and tried again. I browsed the list K-12 Conference videos and clicked on "You Might be a 21st Century Leader If ..." Okay, I was attracted to the title- the whole Foxworthy spin. I clicked and started the video... Click..click..scratch...click. The presentation bounced from PLAY to PAUSE to LOADING... Feeling frustration mount, I aborted the video. I went back to the menu and clicked on "Slippery Rocks and Hard Places." A presentation by Dennis Richards. (See how I eliminated the chance to get frustrated again?)

Richards identifies twelve gaps that we as teachers and learners "must all acknowledge, experience and understand if we are to move toward the emerging new story of learning." Ahh, structure...

Richards states that we must prepare our students to be "lifelong learners." The world demands "adaptability and flexibility." Referring to the students, he states, "We owe it to them to understand this reality."

For each gap, Richards provides a "bridge" to success. He does not demand that we do certain things nor does he tell us what we are not doing as a culture. He says not to "discard" what we have learned but encourages us to think about our techniques in a fresh way.

Take Bridge #8- Collaboration. I was particularly attracted to this bridge because of the way I've been leaning in the classroom over the past few years. I have discovered the value in team work as individuals can bring their strengths to an assignment or project. Richards sees collaboration as "an opportunity to share." With this opportunity, individuals can become better informed. Informed individuals can adapt, are flexible, and are well-suited for the process of life-long learning.

My New Year's Resolution? Become more flexible. Step One- return and view "You Might Be a 21st Century Leader If..."