Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century

About this unit

In this teaching and learning unit students explore a range of contemporary perspectives and contexts that impact education and the work of educators. The role of the teacher in an era of rapid change and emerging technologies is considered and the evolving function of education in society. Students are encouraged to articulate their own vision of education appropriate for the 21st century.

Content

• What is 21st century learning?
• What does it mean and how and why is it different.
• Personalised learning and the autonomous learner
• Teachers building learning around the needs of children, rather than learners conforming to the system
• New views of equity, diversity and inclusivity: Diversity needs to be recognised as strength and be actively fostered to encompass everyone’s variations, differences, cultures and backgrounds.
• Curriculum that uses deep knowledge: curriculum in early childhood and primary education that is designed to create knowledge rather than acquiring it through a content transmission approach.
• Rethinking learners and teachers roles
• Moving beyond seeing learning in terms of being student-centred or teacher-driven and instead to think about how learners and teachers would work together in a knowledge-building, learning environment.
• A culture of lifelong learning
• Twenty-first century educational thinking requires teachers (as well as students) to see themselves as lifelong learners, able to adapt to changing educational circumstances and changing groups and needs of students.
• Future oriented education, leadership and innovation: skilled leaders; expert teachers; collaborations; advocates for change; shared exemplary practice; holistic approach; culture of continuous learning and innovation; new technologies; Developing a vision.
• The role of new technologies: how technologies that have transformed our jobs, our homes, and our lives, can also transform our schools. Multi-literacies.
• Technology in practice: key trends and emerging technologies that can be used in teaching and learning
• Global perspectives and social change: globalisation and a dynamically changing global world – the impact on education.

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