In The ClassroomOpinionTop Story
You don’t need a traditional classroom to learn for the 21st century: opinion
The phrase ‘home schooling’ is being used to describe what parents in some states in Australia and globally are experiencing, with the temporary cessation of formal face-to-face schooling in lieu of remote modes of learning.
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One of the difficulties with this discussion is the variety of positions that education stakeholders are taking on this issue. The need for 21st-century skills of collaboration, problem-solving and project management is clearly needed and desired by some but there is still an argument for handwritten, knowledge-based exams. The quote of “I don’t want my surgeon following YouTube instructions whilst they have me on the table” is bandied about.
Our school is endeavouring to meet the needs of both by using a blended learning approach where traditional face-to-face teaching is complemented by online learning and/or activity. Unfortunately, there is little in the way of research or staff development available for 7-12 schools into how this can work effectively in practice. The tertiary and VET sectors, particularly in the USA and the UK are much further down this track.
Until there is a cohesive and coherent method or model that is based on solid research any changes to curricula or pedagogy all seem a bit hit-and-miss.