Preparing the 21st Century Learner

As I reflect on my ability to teach the 21st century learner, I think that I am as prepared as any educator can be in the face of such a fast paced world of change. The latest skills, techquineques, technologies and buzz words are changing rapidly, and in order to be an effective teacher you have to be committed to the school of life- long learning. But, I really think that this idea is not only about being able to teach 21st century skills, but more the need to stay current on how to best meet all the diverse needs of your student population. No matter if we are talking about teaching strengths today or ten years from now, preparation and adaptability are the hallmark of an effective or ‘good’ teacher.

   I think that by providing exposure to a variety of different experiences prepares my preschoolers. We are working in collaboration to build baseline knowledge for all future learning. I want my students to love everything about learning, so I think diversity in the opportunities I provide for them gives them the strong foundation the need to start growing into their future self. My vision for my students is simple, what I am doing with them in preschool sets the tone for success today, tomorrow, and always.

   No matter what area you are teaching in there are always challenges to face. For me, teaching in the 21^st century is challenging because, I have limited technologies available to me.  So it becomes challenging to find innovative ways to incorporate the technological aspects that I know my students need exposure to, which will help the rate of future success in my classroom and beyond.  However, I do think my strength in my ability to adapt to situations and be creative with the resources I do have available to me. I am also self -motivated to learn by doing, so I think that allows me to see situations from the perspective of my students. So when planning my lessons I am better able to tailor learning to individual needs. I am very much a life- long learner and I think that as the world of teaching changes around me, my teaching style will reflect my growth, knowledge and adaptability.