The 21st Century Classroom

When I think about education and the 21st century, I think about the reframing of our relationships with students.  This applies to teachers, administrators, anyone involved in education K-12.

The stronger the relationship you have with your learners, the more positive of learning experience your student will have.  Seems like common sense?  Why aren't teachers making this our number one priority, over grades, lessons, etc.

I have had 3 years away from the elementary classroom; 5 away from my own homeroom of first graders.  Having had that time away, I have had lots of moments when I looked back, knowing what I know now as a parent and educator in higher ed, and think, "I wish I could go back and do that over again, this time doing........."  The should-a, could-a, would-a's!  I know that is a waste of brainpower in some ways, but it has enlightened me in my role as consultant and adjunct professor.

I know teachers break their backs meeting the needs of their kiddos. I was there once, 9 years teaching in elementary.  It was a hectic day from the moment you woke up in the morning, 'til you sat down on the couch at night.  And, even then, your students were STILL on your mind.  Then, you wake up the next day, start all over again.  I have seen many of my colleagues shed tears over their students, in both good times and bad.  Each class you have places a permanent stamp on your heart.  Deep down, we're all in it to make a difference in the world, I don't care what some say, teachers know that's what's happening in this job.  For better or for worse.

What I propose is this (very simplistic thinking): 

Build the relationship FIRST with your students, create the lessons and learning experiences second.

• It is only by having a strong bond of respect and love for your students (yes, I said LOVE, even for those who try your patience, everyday) that you help them to become their best.  They absolutely HAVE to know you believe they can do it, even when you aren't so sure yourself if they can.  If you set the expectation, they will rise to the occasion.

I believe the 21st century homeroom should operate in this way:

• an environment of respectful, open communication,
• sense of ownership by all persons involved,
  
• a safe place where your thoughts can pour out,
  
• clear expectations set for all learning experiences,
  
• and an adult learner (teacher) who is thought-provoking, structured, respect-worthy, and most of all, in LOVE with the students doing the learning in that classroom.  Even when they don't feel like it. 

• Technology should be integrated into the classroom in all subject areas and discussions, so that kids see it as a "tool" for learning and not as another subject for teaching. Again, it is a TOOL, not a subject area!  As an educator of all these up and coming adults, we must teach them to be absolutely comfortable with it, understand its power, the implications of how it works, the safety behind using it, and the beautiful experiences it can bring to their life. 

Not only will this 21st century classroom change the lives of the students involved, it will change the lives of the educators. 

Believe it or not, I think teaching will be much, much easier.  Motivating students will no longer be difficult, discipline issues will decline (the amount of chatter may increase, but hey, that's what we want, right?), and their students' learning experiences will be powerful and  authentic. 

It will be nothing short of amazing.

Stay tuned as I write more on this topic in the weeks and months ahead!

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