Problem Solving - An Essential Skill in Action Research and Life

 Watch the Following Two Videos About Seven Essential Life Skills for Success

“What is going to be the basis of American economies that the 21st century is known for?”

“How do you educate for innovation?”

“How do we start to reinvent American public education?”

These three questions seek to emphasize the importance of a redesigned learning experience in the American public schools – one not only focused on content, but on essential life skills needed for future success.  Both Tony Wagner and Ellen Galinsky’s seven skills discuss going beyond the content, and truly teaching the future leaders of our world key life skills.  Here is a quick breakdown of the 7 skills both speakers address very similarly:

§  Critical Thinking – BOTH

§  Collaboration/Leading by Influence (Wagner)      Perspective Taking (Galinsky)

§  Agility/Adaptability (Wagner)                                   Focus/Self Control (Galinsky)

§  Assessing/Analyzing Information (Wagner)           Making Connections (Galinsky)

§  Communication - BOTH

§  Initiative/Entrepreneurship (Wagner)                     Taking on Challenges (Galinsky)

§  Curiosity/Imagination (Wagner)                               Engagement (Galinsky)

Asia Society (2009) & Big Think (2013)

               I thought both videos were spot on with the message they shared about the valuable need for learning to not only be focused on content, but also on LIFE SKILLS!  I have seen this is my own 6th graders in the classroom with a lack of initiative and problem-solving taking place.  The classic sit during class doing nothing when someone accidentally didn’t pass them the assignment is my favorite…!  I know that sounds humorous, but it is very concerning that children lack that problem solving aspect in their lives.  We can change that though!

               To tackle this issue ties in directly to action plan research.  That is exactly why this course assigned these videos for us to absorb.  In fact, it gave me ideas that I can directly implement into my classroom in the upcoming school year.  For example, the elevator speech!  This is something so simple, but oh so powerful, and actually an activity a college professor of mine did for my class in my undergraduate degree.

Overall, when it comes to problem solving we can see that a common malpractice in education is the common scenario where teachers tell administration their problem and it falls down the line of communication with little to no positive or direct change.  It should not start with administration but instilled in teachers how to effectively problem solve in this ever-changing career.  The action research concept provides teachers a direct and actionable way to see answers to their questions and most importantly, improve student learning.  Asking questions is essential in the problem-solving process, and that is why planning an action research topic and design prior to implementation is so critical.  We are the problem solvers in this course and in our schools.  If we can do it, we must pass along this life skill necessity to our students and future generations.

Resources

Asia Society. (2009, October 7). Skills Students Need for Their Future with Tony Wagner [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS2PqTTxFFc

Big Think. (2013, July 17). The Seven Essential Life Skills, with Ellen Galinsky. Big Think Mentor. Big Think [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdIkQnTy6jA&feature=youtu.be

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Learning Manifesto!

Image
Check out my learning manifesto!  These beliefs are at the core of every teaching decision and action I take.  Feel free to share your own philosophy of teaching in the comments below. “We are guilty of many errors and many faults, But our worst crime is abandoning the children, Neglecting the fountain of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, His blood is being made, And his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer ‘Tomorrow.’  – “His Name Is Today”. Without Audio: https://prezi.com/view/EujKQcUKKCi3NUYIwsHp/ To the child we cannot answer "Tomorrow".   The child's name is "Today".
Read more

ePortfolio Review & Reflection

Image
After reviewing some of the ePortfolio examples provided on Dr. Harapnuik’s ePortfolio, I was able to analyze others’ learning creations and take away some valuable points. The first, keep it simple, yet detailed. For the ePortfolio to be used effectively, it should not be overcluttered or misleading with too much “stuff”. If this happens, a site’s content cannot be clearly received, and the user will not be able to easily acquire new information. I made sure to keep this in mind when creating mine! The valuable saying “less is more” is perfect to use when designing an ePortfolio. Second, I also noticed how innovative and unique the ePortfolio’s were to each individual person. I love this part of the project and whole COVA design process! It really shows who a person is, and they are more invested in their work when given this freedom. Therefore, not having specific criteria for how the ePortfolio looks allows students choice to showcase who they are as a learner and leader. I...
Read more

3...2...1...Action Research Project Planning!

Image
When beginning an action research project, I have learned that the inspiration for whatever topic ones chooses should start with the vision for positive action and change in the education environment.  It is not just a study, but a study that will yield action directly into a school environment.  When it comes to my initial action research plan/idea, I plan on basing my study on the need for better new teacher training and induction into my campus environment.  Not only will my project focus on the content knowledge and skillsets that incoming teachers must utilize, but the support system provided to ensure that new teachers are given the best opportunity to be successful in their first year in the classroom. My overall research question:  Are new/incoming teachers to the elementary campus receiving adequate training, resources, and support to be successful in their first year of teaching?                 This ac...
Read more