14. Voki

13. 21st Century Skills: Why They Matter, What They Are, and How We Get There

    The article is written by Ken Kay the President, Partnership for 21st Century Skills. The main point in this article is when Kay starts talking about the "tipping point," the moment when a critical mass of circumstances come together and sets us on a new and unstoppable course. The article states that students will be prepared in the skills to think, learn, work, solve problems, communicate, collaborate, contribute throughout their lives. Also students are going to be expected to learn new skills such as: creativity and innovation, flexibility and adaptability, and leadership and cross cultural skills. Kay talks about converting from just the average subjects in school and learning more critical thinking or creative problem solving.
   I can agree with Ken Kay in some ways. We are taught the same subjects throughout our educational experience when maybe we need a little change. More critical thinking or more problem solving skills could be useful. More classes teaching students real life tasks and what to expect in college and the real world. Students need to learn how to be independent in the big world we live in.

12. Inspiration Comments

-Erica- Colors of the concept map match the cover of the book very well. Great activity ideas.

-Jackie- Great interaction. I really like the mini chalk boards for the subtopics. Maybe too many games.

-Mary Catherine- Great ideas. Our activities are very similar. Good idea for a back up plan for when students finish early. Could learn how to use the site a little better, I have the same problem!

-Jennifer- Great use of the board. Very good speaker. Maybe too much work and not enough fun incorperated.

-Amanda- Great use of pictures for each topic and subtopics. Good use of different activities. Could use the touch board a little more instead of just the mouse.

-Jordan- Its always good to teach on a topic you are intrested in yourself. Would help students with safety tips for bad weather. Could use the touch board a little more instead of just the mouse.

-Jonathan- Very patriotic colors and illistrations.

-Victoria-

11. Why Tough Teachers Get Good Results

    This article is based on the educational experiences of Joanne Lipman. She talks about her orchestra conductor who was extremely strict on his students. She then goes on to talk about how many doctors, lawyers, and many others in more high end fields came from this strict way of teaching. In her article she talks about 8 principles in which make this method of teaching affective. Lipman feels very strong that this method of teaching is affective in making students learn better and become successful adults.
   In some ways I do agree with Joanne Lipman in her article. We need to put a little more discipline into the classroom. Some kids run over there teachers and just are really bad behaved. But I don't think teachers should call students names or embarrass them in front of their peers. Students can get easily discouraged when embarrassed, but children with too much praise can get too relaxed with their school work or with their behavior. I think in school systems today there needs to be an equal balance of discipline and fun.