21st Century Skills at AMS
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Introduction
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At a recent staff meeting, the Amphi Middle School Staff brainstormed on the ways they used 21st century skills in their classrooms. This is a list of some of the ways 21st Century skills are being implemented in AMS classrooms.
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1. Information and Communication Skills
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Information & Media Literacy
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Students study current events using a variety of resources.
Students conduct research using the Internet, newspapers, journals and books.
Students produce a research paper complete with a thesis statement.
Students use spell checkers to correct spelling while writing.
Students create timelines and use picture notes.
Students conduct Internet research in science, social studies, etc.
Students use computers to dissect a frog.
We discuss commercials, voice, and characters.
Students analyze and evaluate media information through current events.
Teacher web page.
The librarian collaborates with teachers so that information literacy is taught in context.
Students use media player to analyze commercials.
Students create a spoof commercial. |
Communication Skills
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Students do a Power Point Presentation on one of the planets.
Through writing, students persuade others to their point of view.
Students check grades online.
Students use Power Point to share information with each other and for games such as Jeopardy.
Use the overhead projector to share information.
Students create concept maps in Inspiration.
Teach writing by exposing students to works of art and then students write about them.
Allow students to choose a medium to present information, e.g. research paper, Power Point, posters, etc.
Students exchange information using the Internet through e-mail, blogging, and text messages.
Team building and leadership.
Students create Power Point on plants.
Students give oral reports in a newscast format.
Students write letters to businesses.
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2. Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
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Critical Thinking & Systems Thinking
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Students write paragraphs from information learned the previous day.
I help students make good lifestyle choices (in terms of drugs, alcohol, etc.) and understand the consequences of their choices (to the family, school and community).
Student mediation helps students analyze and solve conflicts with others.
Students research a biome using both print and Internet resources to gather information.
We study the brain and anatomy to begin understanding the interconnections between the neural system and muscle movement.
Students think about what their mistake was when they have a wrong answer and then share.
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Problem Identification, Formation and Solution
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Students describe a stretch that works a particular muscle.
Students identify problems from students' perspective. Teach how to make a plan for change.
Students make a checkbook and balance it.
Using the scientific method, students ask. Then they develop and perform experiments and analyze the results. |
Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity
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Students do bag book reports.
I have question and answer discussions on new topics to build knowledge and interest.
Students solve complex math problems using a set pattern of thinking to arrive at a solution.
Students make connections between historical and current events.
I teach poetry through music and song--all aspects of poetry: simile, metaphor, rhyme, hyperbole, etc.
Students do a web quest on ants.
I encourage students to find more than one way to solve a problem.
I ask students to share if they solved a problem in a different way. |
3. Interpersonal and Self-Directional Skills
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Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills
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Use peer assistance.
Create a TPS on the causes of the Civil War.
Students work in small groups.
Students work in cooperative groups to create and present information to the class.
Students work in teams to develop and understand new rules for games.
Students monitor their own growth and check their own work.
Students work in groups to evaluate and synthesize the information gained from doing labs.
Students note what a peer says and incorporate it into their comments.
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Self Direction
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Offer students materials at increasing levels of difficulty so that they can self-direct and meet personal goals.
Use a daily agenda so students know what's next and can take initiative.
Have students monitor their use of time so they can accomplish the most effective ways to complete tasks.
Students play/make/model/present a community park with costs and uses.
Students conduct research using the Internet on occupations--the amount of education needed and the financial rewards.
Help students develop metacognitive thinking through goals and connecting. |
Accountability and Adapatability
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Students use grammar check in word processor.
Manners and neat work are expected.
Students set goals in the area of fitness discussing what they will do in order to meet those goals.
Gold sheets are used to keep students accountable for their behavior.
Offer students materials at increasing levels of difficulty so that they can self-direct and meet personal goals. |
Social Responsibility
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Students work on projects that incorporate social skills and other real life situations.
Teach social responsibility. Students write a letter or e-mail to a politician or a business.
Analyze historical data displayed in graphs, charts, and tables.
Have students recycle materials.
Students access their grades online using Easy Grade Pro.
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