Instructional Strategies for the 21st Century Learner

          Students growing up in the 21st Century are completely different those that grew up 20 or more years ago.  The way we learn and the teaching styles have continued to change to better meet the needs of future students.  When I was in school, teaching was mostly done through direct instruction, reading from a textbook and constant note taking.  This is different then the way I am teaching my students.  I use a mixture of instructional videos, direct instruction, inquiry, hands on activities, educational games, cooperative learning groups and online learning environments.  The importance of using a variety of teaching methods is so that we can meet the needs of all students and be able to reach all types of learners (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic).  When we are instructing, we need to provide a different approach in order for there to be audio, visuals, and hands on activities incorporated so that way we can allow for better retention and understanding of the content.  Some kids need to only be taught using one approach, but others would benefit from using all three.  Overall, we want our students to be successful and the best way is to use a variety of teaching strategies.

        
          As a teacher in the 21st Century, it is not only important to use a variety of teaching methods, but to also incorporate more technology.  Our students already live in a technologically advanced society and it's only going to continue to grow.  We need to be preparing these kids to understand the different programs and technologies that they may see in the future.  This helps them be prepared for future educational classes in high school or college, as well as prepares them for a professional world.  Technology allows for teachers to incorporate these different strategies to meet the needs of all learners.  We can use videos which will meet the needs of our audio and visual learners.  We can also use simulations in which students are being more hands on with the content with the use of computers.  



          I have done a lot of adjusting this year to my teaching strategies just by getting my master's degree in technology.  My eyes have opened as I become more exposed to different technologies and programs that I can use on a daily basis in my class.  I have seen some huge gains with my students' engagement and willingness to learn.  I will continue to use a variety of teaching strategies and technologies in my classroom so that my students have the best opportunity to learn and be successful.