Characteristics of 21st Century Teachers: How Do the Students Learn?

In order to be successful in a 21st Century classroom, the teacher must understand that the role of the "instructor" is changing. This is in part due to the nature in which the students learn. Students have the resources to obtain information from a variety of sources 24/7. For them, a single resource is often not enough, and not necessarily the most effective when that resource is considered to be an outmoded method. In addition, students are often used to learning information within the context of solving a problem or learning a new skill. For this reason, teachers need to provide contextual learning environments while infusing project based learning to engage students in the classroom.

In order to create this type of environment, the teachers need to be open to relinquishing some of the control they are used to having. At times it can be difficult to not fully be a part of the learning process when it is your job to "teach." However, you and your students will learn more when you do not limit the information to a single source; especially when you are using technology. Be open to learning from and/or with your students. As you collaboratively explore information, you will be teaching more than you ever could have imagined. Together you may discover a fresh approach to learning a specific topic, or see it from a different perspective.

The main responsibility of the teacher in this environment is to direct students to resources that provide reliable information. You can work alongside your students to determine useful resources and not limit them to using only one or two types of media to discover content. In addition, you can show them the value in using social media to obtain new knowledge from people beyond their school, community, region, etc. It is natural for teachers to fear the unknown, as we have been trained to have all of the answers. However, in today's society, there is no way we can truly master all of the technological resources before implementing them in the classroom.

But again, you will need to cultivate an environment where students understand the value of this type of classroom. This is extremely important, as the students will need to understand that you are not less effective as a teacher, but that you are "real." If a question is asked or a concept is mentioned and it isn’t in your realm of understanding, don’t be afraid to admit it. Ask the students where to go to access further info, or research the topic together. Give them an assignment to research that topic for homework, or make it a class assignment, etc.

In summary, students should be aware that the digital age has placed information at their fingertips. Gone are the days that they have to rely on their teachers as the sole sources of information. Teach them that they should become curators of their own learning, responsible for finding out where to go to get answers or solve problems.