MIAMI -- Teachers across the U.S. have dealt with a prevailing lack of student interest and classroom behavior issues. New teachers often deal with low self-confidence upon entering the profession. But these are only some of the issues to be faced by tomorrow’s millennial teachers. Higher expectations have been mandated from the top down – from the Federal government to local school boards, administrators, and parents. All expect improved student test scores and higher achievement results. This August, the Common Core State Standards will become the framework for teachers in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Plus, there’s the added requirement to align these standards with STEM education. These concerns should be mitigated by 21st Century Teaching: The Scholar, the Technician, and the Performer, which illustrates how technology can be implemented in the classroom to leverage student interest and motivation while meeting the Common Core and STEM requirements, and improving the new teacher’s self-confidence. The instructional practices included are built using just a few of the top ten emerging trends outlined in section two. For example:
* Having students write a blog as part of their homework assignments.
* Creating digital avatars to enrich student presentations.
* Using high-tech videos to lead into a lesson.
* Having students collaborate with international students on group projects.
Millennial teachers can use the top ten trends as springboards to build new and creative lesson plans that provide added value to their stakeholders while improving student interest by packaging the information in ways that are more appealing to 21st century students.
About the Authors: Manuel A. Baltodano, III has worked in Miami-Dade County, Florida over the past nine years as an English, Math, and Special Education teacher. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Florida International University, located in Miami. John W. Tanner began working in education in 2001 through the “Gear-up Homestead” Outreach sponsored by Florida International University. His first assignment as a high school Reading teacher came after serving in the U.S. Navy as a travel Yeoman in a Helicopter Squadron. Mr. Tanner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies with concentrations in Literature and Computer Science from Excelsior College, Albany, New York, and is pursuing a Master of Science degree at Florida International University.
Based on their review of 16 graduate and doctoral dissertations, the ten trends identified are thoroughly researched and are actively used in both pedagogical education and tertiary (higher education) schools. Many academic pundits expect these trends to become ubiquitous in education over the next five years.
While there are many books providing Educational career advice, Baltodano and Tanner give new insights into the term “teaching,” demonstrating that the utilization of technology in the classroom may provide substantial gains from students living in a world dependent on information technology.
Check out our video on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npr-gVVPJe4&feature=sh...
Contact:
John W. Tanner
786-327-6326
Jtango777@gmail.com
