Reflections of Chapter 2-21st century skills, learning for life in our times

As I read Chapter 2 I was struck by the five key findings from research in the science of learning that was indicated could be used to reshape learning for our times. Specifically, authentic learning, mental model building, internal motivation, multiple intelligences, and social learning. This reminded me of the alternative school I taught at in Green Bay for 14 years prior to becoming a librarian. We focused on educating the "whole child" and project based learning. Much of the projects were put in real world contexts. We also took into consideration Gardner's work on multiple intelligences when developing curriculum. Our report cards were not graded, they were all annecdotal, as we believed that it was important that students be internally motivated to want to learn. All this was part of our philosophy, which was developed in 1976, when the alternative program was started. I guess this program was ahead of our time. That much of what we were doing for years is finally being accepted in mainstream education shows me how slowly education changes. In our current world where technology puts information at our fingertips immediately, you would think the system that is educating our children how to use that information would come up to speed more quickly. I can only hope that by working with teachers, I can help break down the resistence that slows down moving into 21st century skill development.