As
education advances with the help of technology, it becomes very clear that the
modern day classroom needs are very different from the conventional classroom
needs.
The
evolved 21st century classroom is a productive
environment in which students can develop the skills they will require in the
workplace and teachers are facilitators of their learning. The focus of a 21stcentury classroom is on
students experiencing the environment they will enter as modern day workers and
developing their higher order thinking skills, effective communication skills,
collaboration skills, making them adept with using technology and all other
skills that they will need in the 21st century workplace.
The
educational practices of the traditional classroom are no longer effective and
teachers must develop new teaching strategies that are radically different from
those employed in the traditional classrooms. The modern day classroom should
be more centered on students and teachers should take the role of facilitators
and guides instead of being mere providers of knowledge. They must ensure that
they engage their students in learning and provide effective instruction using
a variety of instructional methods and following different pedagogical
approaches aided with technology. They should be active participants in their
own learning and must seek out professional development to improve their
performance and their students’ learning.
A
21st century classroom has many
characteristics associated with it which distinguish it from the classrooms of
the past centuries. The top 10 characteristics of a 21st century classroom are:
Student-centric: In these classrooms, students
play an active role in their learning and teachers serve as mere guides. They
are more facilitators of learning than lecturers. They help students think
critically and learn by doing and act as a resource while their students
discover and master new concepts. Student-centric classroom environments put
students’ interests first and are focused on each student’s needs, abilities
and learning styles.
Computing devices: Computers are readily
available in modern classrooms, since they are essential tools for 21st century students and replace the utilities of pen and paper. They
not only give students the means to conduct online research and master the
technology skills they need, but they also give teachers the opportunity to
enhance their lessons. The ability to deftly operate a computer is a critical
21st century skill. Computing devices greatly assist in teaching and learning
and make them more engaging and effective.
Active learning: In modern classrooms,
students are actively engaged in what they learn. Students participate in more
active learning by working in groups or on computers and complete projects and
other interesting activities that help them discover new skills. Students can
learn actively by talking and listening, writing, reading and reflecting. When
students are encouraged to take an active interest in learning, they are more
likely to retain the knowledge they’ve accumulated.
Adaptive learning: Any classroom will always
have students of different types of learning abilities in it which often makes
it difficult for teachers to make sure that all of them understand the
concepts. The modern approach of adaptive learning gives students the freedom
to learn at their own pace and in the way they are most comfortable with. There
are various kinds of software available for adaptive learning that teachers can
use to enhance the learning of their students.
Invitational environment: The classrooms should not be
cramped or overcrowded. Modern classrooms should have the basic material
required for teaching such as, interactive whiteboards and LCD projectors. The BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device)
approach can be adopted, so that students can bring their laptops or tablets to
the classroom for better personalized learning. Teaching with technological
material is more effective, stimulates student engagement, eases the work of
teachers and makes it easy for students to focus on learning.
Students understand and follow
the rules and procedures: The learning environment is carefully planned and
well-organized. Class rules, procedures, and notices of upcoming activities are
posted in convenient places to help students stay on track. Students are
constantly encouraged to remind them of their goals and responsibilities. They
follow class routines and understand what they are expected to achieve each day
and how they are to go about it.
Mutual respect: Teachers and students should
always have respect for each other. As now the role of teachers is no longer to
be the sage on the stage, students should not forget their value as they will
always receive guidance from them. Also, teachers should encourage students to
speak with confidence and value their opinions. In a well-disciplined
environment, students should also co-operate with and respect their classmates.
Students take responsibility of
their learning: As students are encouraged to actively participate in their own
learning, they become responsible for their learning. Self-directed students
not only encourage each other, but also work with their teacher to achieve academic
and behavioral goals that they themselves have helped establish. Teachers
should employ a variety of strategies to promote responsible decision-making
and create self-reliant students.
Performance-based assessments: Regular performance-based
assessments are carried out by teachers through various methods which are not
restricted to tests. These can be by conducting quizzes and polls. Teachers can
utilize projects as well as other products and performances as assessments to
determine student achievements and needs. Assessments are tailored to the
abilities and needs of the students.
Collaborative learning: Learning through
collaboration is one of the most effective forms of learning. Teaching and
learning in isolation are very restrictive and hinder progress. Learning in
groups enhances the scope of learning and develops critical thinking.
Collaborative learning activities include collaborative writing, group
projects, joint problem solving, debates and more. Collaborative learning
redefines traditional student-teacher relationship in the classroom.
Technology
plays a big role in developing all of these characteristics for modern
classrooms. These classrooms enhance the learning experience and better prepare
students for higher education and workforce. Share your views and other
characteristics that you would like to see in your 21st century classrooms. The Comment Box awaits you.
