Preparing our students for their future...

Check out this article from Edudemic: http://www.edudemic.com/2013/07/the-7-skills-students-must-have-for-the-future/ It is imperative that World Language educators facilitate the development of these 21st century learning skills within students. The good news is that the World Language classroom lends itself well to progressive educational methodology. In my particular Middle School Spanish classroom, learning is student-centered, constructivist, collaborative and engaging. Over the last three years in particular, the role of technology has greatly impacted the effectiveness of the classroom experience as well as the motivation levels of students. As expressed in the article, the student skills Wagner recommends are: 1. Critical thinking and problem-solving 2. Collaboration across networks and leading by influence 3. Agility and adaptability 4. Initiative and entrepreneurialism 5. Effective oral and written communication 6. Accessing and analyzing information 7. Curiosity and imagination In my courses, students practice daily effective oral and written communication. They are assigned tasks where they complete amazing digital artifacts. Upon assignment, students take initiative and decide how and what to produce; analyze and apply grammatical concepts using their imagination and creativity; work in conjunction with classmates (or at least pitch ideas to classmates) through their production phase; and finally evaluate their pieces of work, as well as those belonging to their peers. To do all this in the target language is a feat in itself, and effectiveness of learning is reaffirmed by student commentary. World Language teachers can truly harness the power of technology for learning success within their students, therefore preparing them for their future!