At the annual conference for the National Association for Independent Schools in DC (Feb. 23 – 25) Global Ed. was front and center and everyone was weighing in. The theme for the year, Advancing Our Public Purpose, supported discussion around school-to-school partnerships, collaboration between independent schools and organizations (non-profits, public schools, international schools), and educating 21st C citizens.
There were, for me, a couple of standout moments and resources worth sharing. Just as the photos, videos and stories of someone else’s trip inspires you to collect that stamp in your passport, these resources are worth checking out as you create your own personal Passport to Global Education. (Reminder: Global Ed is about building collaborative relationships across cultures…sometimes you simply need to look across the road to do that.)
1. Robert Witt (Hawaii Association of Independent Schools) shared a list of capacities that he and his team of educators identified as essential for 21st C teaching and learning. These were inspired, in part, by Tony Wagner’s list of competencies essential for future business success in the Global Achievement Gap.
Witt’s List:
- Analytical and Creative Thinking
- Complex Communication Skills
- Leadership and Teamwork
- Digital and Quantitative Literacy
- Global Perspective
- Adaptability, Initiative, Risk-Taking
- Integrity and Ethical Decision-Making
Wagner’s list:
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Team-Based Leadership and Leading by Influence
- Agility and Adaptability
- Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
- Effective and High Quality Communication (both oral and written)
- Accessing and Analyzing Information
- Curiosity and Imagination
Other interesting links to click through and contemplate included:
Carrotmob: student organizing and leading with a public purpose
Green Schools: How to bring sustainability to your school
NuVu Studio: an innovation center for middle and high school students
The Tech Director for Providence Day, Matt Scully, has an interesting blog called The Engaged Learner. It’s worth subscribing to if you are interested in reflecting on engaged learning with a technological bent.
So whether you grab a suitcase or a computer mouse, the world is your oyster. Eat up!
