Chapter 1: Schools Must Change Too frequently schools have succumbed to the pressures of doing operations and instruction they way things have always been done, not the way things should be done. In today's world, students literally think differently than the educators who teach them. Students today live in a world of constant input from a variety of sources that are always at their fingertips. The authors suggest that to address these new learners educators must focus instruction on discovery learning versus direct instruction, teachers must shift away from textbook learning, students should be provided opportunity and access to hyperlinked information, and students must collaborate with each other and experts in various content fields to deepen their learning experience. Additionally, teachers must evaluate using activities that encompasses all of the student learning and increase the connection between instruction and the outside world.
Chapter 2: Changing the Process of Designing Schools As the world is quickly changing around us, so too must the process of school planning and design to meet the current needs of the students, as well as their future needs. To make that happen, it's critical that we engage all stakeholders in the design process and begin asking the right questions. It's critical to question everything about a school, so as to not fall victim to the TTWWADI pitfall. The focus needs to be "instruction should drive construction." To begin creating a vision for change, the authors identified 17 guiding principles that should be considered. They are as follows:
Start by looking at kids and learning.
Learning must prepare students for a world of constant change.
Learning must focus on 21st Century thinking skills.
Learning must include 21st Century fluency skills.
Learning must reflect the new digital reality.
Learning must be interdisciplinary.
Learning must be shaped for the individual.
Learning must engage 21st century digital kids.
Learning must be connected to the outside world.
Learning opportunities should be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Time, not learning, should be flexible.
Students should assume responsibility for their own learning.
Every student should have a close working relationship with at least one adult in the school.
Students should have their own personal place to work.
Assessment must encompass both knowledge skills and high order thinking skills.
All students must be prepared so they can go on to some form of postsecondary studies.
The configuration of spaces within the school building must be highly flexible.
Learning Activities: 1. Click on the discussion tab and answer the questions. 2. Visit**www.nomorecookiecutterschools.com**and consider identifying an article, download, handout, or reading to share with our team. 3. Consider what was your "Aha Moment" for these chapters to share with the larger group at the administrative meeting.
Chapter 1: Schools Must Change
Too frequently schools have succumbed to the pressures of doing operations and instruction they way things have always been done, not the way things should be done. In today's world, students literally think differently than the educators who teach them. Students today live in a world of constant input from a variety of sources that are always at their fingertips. The authors suggest that to address these new learners educators must focus instruction on discovery learning versus direct instruction, teachers must shift away from textbook learning, students should be provided opportunity and access to hyperlinked information, and students must collaborate with each other and experts in various content fields to deepen their learning experience. Additionally, teachers must evaluate using activities that encompasses all of the student learning and increase the connection between instruction and the outside world.
Chapter 2: Changing the Process of Designing Schools
As the world is quickly changing around us, so too must the process of school planning and design to meet the current needs of the students, as well as their future needs. To make that happen, it's critical that we engage all stakeholders in the design process and begin asking the right questions. It's critical to question everything about a school, so as to not fall victim to the TTWWADI pitfall. The focus needs to be "instruction should drive construction." To begin creating a vision for change, the authors identified 17 guiding principles that should be considered. They are as follows:
Learning Activities:
1. Click on the discussion tab and answer the questions.
2. Visit **www.nomorecookiecutterschools.com**and consider identifying an article, download, handout, or reading to share with our team.
3. Consider what was your "Aha Moment" for these chapters to share with the larger group at the administrative meeting.