Partnership for 21st Century Skills

After viewing the Partnership for 21st Century Skills website, I was very impressed with the amount of information that was available describing what the goals of the program are and how the program is meant to help students become better prepared for the professional world.  I was also very surprised to see the amount of resources available on the website.  I did type math in the search, and many different resources popped up.  Some were not very related, but there were plenty to look through.  However, I was displeased to see the support of cognitive tutor (collaboration with computer based learning with a focus on application).  After working with the program for a couple of years, I noticed that it was very helpful when it came to test scores at the end of the year, but when it came to skills practice, the students did not retain much of the information. 

I think that the groups mission is essential for students, but I believe it to be hard to establish in the classroom due to time constraints, and the large amount of information that is forced upon teachers and students.  If these obstacles did not exist, I believe that the program and its goals could be a great asset to educators and students.  The students would improve essential skills while they are learning the essential material.

My Blogs Start

I plan to use this blog as a place for students to discuss topics that I post.  I think a lot of students get stuck with the idea that there is only one way of solving a problem (I teach high school math), and they do not realize that there are many different strategies to solve many different problems.  I think it would be useful to post a problem, and allow students to post different strategies to solve the problem.  Doing this will allow the students an opportunity to explore the material out of the textbook, they will be able to interact with each other about the material, and they will also have the chance to show off their knowledge in an anonymous fashion.  I think the blog can enhance the lesson by allowing students to think about the material on their own, and at the same time it will allow students to see how other students perceive the material.  This blog can provide an opportunity for me to see the abilities of my students regardless if they are shy or not.  At the same time I am able to read how they are processing the material.  I do wish that I had the ability to allow my students to type mathematical material into the blog, but I do not have a clue how.  If anyone reads this and thinks of a way to do it, please let me know.

Welcome

I've started a blog, so my students may be able to anonymously discuss topics that I present for the class.  I hope that it will be an educational way to get my students talking about math without the pressure of watchful eyes.