Inspired learning
Learning in the 21st century presents new challenges and opportunities. New technologies are breaking down classroom walls and creating global virtual classrooms. As technology improves and new discoveries are made, our students will have unprecedented access to information and they will be judged by how they use what they know.
Students starting school this year will probably be working until the 2070s. We know that the rate of change in technology and in society is so fast that if we are going to prepare young people to live, work and be successful in the 21st century, they will need the ability to think both creatively and critically, problem solve and work collaboratively.
So if this is the world our children will live in, the value of their education is even more important. We know that in the future simply finishing high school will not be enough; post school qualifications will be the minimum.
We need great teachers in our classrooms to inspire our young people to achieve.
Great teachers know the content of the subjects they teach and have a deep understanding of how learning happens. Great teachers have a rich repertoire of teaching strategies and know when to use specific strategies to optimize student learning.
Great teachers work in highly collaborative ways, reflect on their practices and learn from others. Great teachers are always looking at ways they can use new data and research to become even better teachers.
Great teachers are passionate about the subjects they teach, and use this passion to inspire a thirst for knowledge and love of learning in their students.
Have your say
I welcome your input. Here are the questions that may help form your response.
- What knowledge and skills will our children need to thrive in the 21st century?
- What makes a teacher inspiring?
- What should students expect from their teachers?
- What should parents expect from their child's teacher?
- How can teachers, parents and students work together to raise expectations for student outcomes?
- What are the clear messages from Australian and international research about how to support the best teaching and learning practices in our schools?
