teaching and learning for the 21st century
Written by Shelley Thomas
What is it about September? Anticipation comes with a new year, a new class, new friends, and new beginnings. September is about Promise and Possibility. Teachers, parents, and students all have a light in their eyes in September. As teachers, we are full of new ideas, good wishes and intentions for the start of another school year. We are … Continue reading “Why Join Cohort 21?: Pirates, Treasure Troves, and Charting White Water”
Written by Shelley Thomas
After spending a day with Cohort 21 at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, I am inspired by the action plans currently underway in our CIS Ontario schools. As a special guest at this F2F session, I was inspired by the innovative and meaningful work being done across the province by teachers and … Continue reading “Day of Discovery with Cohort 21: Life on MaRS”
Written by Shelley Thomas
The first year of Cohort 21 officially came to a close April 27th at Royal St. George’s College. The final face-to-face provided time for sharing of Action Plans and provided a venue for a year-in-review forum. Members of the Cohort presented their projects in informal roundtable discussions, and provided links to their action plan steps … Continue reading “Open Your Doors: Cohort 21 in Review”
Written by Shelley Thomas
Dialogue is essential for learning. No one acquires real knowledge without it. I asked my students to speak about their education, specifically their studies in literature. Is it true, as many technocrats and administrators would have us believe, that literature, the humanities even, are plummeting like bad stock in the 21st century education market? Is … Continue reading “Words Worth Their Weight”
Written by Shelley Thomas
During the academic year, grade twelve English students examined numerous media articles and broadcasts questioning the place of literature in 21st century curriculum design. Does literature, and all that it can bring, belong on a contemporary syllabus? In an age of rapid technological innovation, decreasing attention spans, job training now driving education reforms across North … Continue reading “A Novel Idea”
Written by Shelley Thomas
I have decided to throw my hat into the Google ring and apply to the Google Teacher Academy (to be held in Sydney, Australia this May) for an opportunity to be part of their intensive, multi-day, professional development, tech event. Applicants apply from all over the world for their chance to join this community of innovative educators. … Continue reading “The Light Bulb Moment”
Written by Shelley Thomas
Thanks to members of Cohort 21 for another inspired day of instruction and support. The breakout sessions were robust and I enjoyed learning about the various action plans presently underway in our schools. Thanks to Adam Caplan and St. Clement’s School for hosting our third F2F session. Thanks, also, to Garth Nichols (Greenwood College School) and … Continue reading “Next Steps: Third F2F at St. Clement’s School”
Written by Shelley Thomas
What: Over the last few months my grade twelve students and I have been sharing various articles and essays that look at the study of literature and the role that English courses play in what is often referred to as “21st century curriculum” development. These articles are written by educators, English teachers, and administrators and … Continue reading “Fictional Educations and the New Curriculum”
Written by Shelley Thomas
As parents, teachers and students prepared for a new academic year, The Star published an article, written by Michael Reist, titled “Literature is the new Latin”. Reist has 30 years of teaching under his belt and is the author of two books. Under the large image of a smart phone with apps magically appearing and … Continue reading “Something they can use in ‘real life’: The Case for Literature”
Written by Shelley Thomas
Albert Schweitzer once said, “I don’t know what your destiny may be, but one thing I know. The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Powerful claim. In the age of digital immigrants, natives, and net generations, where an i-market has created an i-army … Continue reading “Creating a 21st Century Syllabus”
