Okay, so they tell us we have to teach to these kids that are so technologically advanced. We need to make sure they have the 21st Century Literacy skills they need to survive in this world that we all live in. As a teacher you take a deep breath and plunge into the deep end. Well then comes along that old friend assessment and I know the first thought that came into my head was "How?"
It gets really complicated, especially when a lot of us are teaching to curriculum's that don't necessarily make it easy to assess in a new way. I think teachers have to start getting really creative on their own. There are too many of us still willing not to change. We fear change like so many other things.
Truth is, we have to change. We have to get away from the traditional pen and paper and figure out better ways to find out what kids really know that will allow them to be productive members of society. I know if I could streamline and bring into the 21st century my grading it would save me a weekend or two of grading with better assessments. It's important to be adaptable and if we are going to teach 21st century skills they need to be assessed in a 21st century way. It's time to step outside of the box and start figuring out how.
I agree, even though assessment of 21st century skills can be complicated to think about, we have to move towards a better way of assessment. Assessment shouldn't always be a grueling task that takes up time. It's better if we can assess while the students are performing a task. I think this is a much better use of time. I like your point of stepping outside the box!
ReplyDeleteIf how and what we are teaching is changing, then of course how and what we are assessing needs to change as well! I totally agree with you in saying, "21st century skills need to assessed in a 21st century way".
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