Insights from Phase 4: Classroom Transformation

The most difficult area, and it requires MAJOR change, is: “Phase 4: Classroom Transformation”. On this page we have divided our findings into two major areas. The first is understanding the problem and how the different stakeholders see the problem. While the second is a collection of examples of effective solutions and potential ways to inspire learning that is now mandated in the 21st century.

I. Defining the problem:

1. Changing Education Paradigms by Sir Ken Robinson does a very effective job of defining education that worked in the past and today’s challenges that education systems must address.
2. Tony Wagner does the best job of defining what skills are needed to survive in the 21st Century job market and he calls them the “Seven Survival Skills”.
3. Teacher Education and 21st Century Skills from the Pearson Foundation discusses the need for change in education and the recognition of the skills that now need to be taught but also displays many of the inherent barriers that must be overcome in the current behemoth called our “Educational Establishment/System”.
4. We Need Know-How, Not higher test Scores

II. Examples of effective solutions in action:

1. The Power of Student Lead Discovery can innovate education in the United States now.
2. Build student-centered learning the right way
3. What if every kid could learn through tinkering?
4. 9 Amazing Benefits of Technology in the Classroom (+18 Best Ways to Incorporate Technology)
5. At Valley Academy in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina they are trying to ensure that high school graduates will be college and career ready
6. Business integrated into the classroom as Valley Academy Teachers immerse themselves in their region’s employers
7. Business integrated into the classroom as Valley Academy 9^th Graders Market Their Water Purification Inventions to Prospective Angel Investors
8. A summary of the first year at Valley Academy with a heavy focus on the student’s perspective.
9. Teachers who inspire our students need to be able to answer the MOST important question a student will ask “Why do I need to know this?”
10. Urgent call to action: Can we look to NASA, via their Mars Landing, again?
11. John Hunter on World Peace and other 4th Grade Achievements