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Strong teachers know their students and utilize this to provide an opportunity for making connections. Most of the eighth grade students at Silverado Middle School are digital natives. To that end, it is imperative that our instruction matches their interest. We understand that technology drives their world, and as such, technology should be central to making learning meaningful for them. If students lack interest in the curriculum, then this new knowledge won’t enter their long-term memory (Marzano, Pickering, Heflebower 8).
Furthermore, our technological world demands that these students meet the 21st-century learning needs that will ensure success beyond school. In fact, 70% of U.S. jobs require specialized knowledge and skills, including collaborating, communicating in many forms and developing new products and ideas (Darling-Hammond 2). The onset of the Common Core State Standards include this need, as multiple studies have shown achievement gains increase with problem-oriented curriculum that includes a performance assessment (Darling-Hammond 69).
A disheartening statistic that invigorated my search for change comes from the National Assessment of Educational Progress’ report that, 34% of 8th graders demonstrated a “solid” or “superior” score in reading abilities (Ferriter, Garry 5). If we strategically leverage technology as a tool, it can improve both students’ language arts skills and their 21st century skills.
Furthermore, our technological world demands that these students meet the 21st-century learning needs that will ensure success beyond school. In fact, 70% of U.S. jobs require specialized knowledge and skills, including collaborating, communicating in many forms and developing new products and ideas (Darling-Hammond 2). The onset of the Common Core State Standards include this need, as multiple studies have shown achievement gains increase with problem-oriented curriculum that includes a performance assessment (Darling-Hammond 69).
A disheartening statistic that invigorated my search for change comes from the National Assessment of Educational Progress’ report that, 34% of 8th graders demonstrated a “solid” or “superior” score in reading abilities (Ferriter, Garry 5). If we strategically leverage technology as a tool, it can improve both students’ language arts skills and their 21st century skills.
Sources cited under "Links"
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Initial Analysis
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Capstone Project
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Link to My Students' Blog Responses