21st century skills
Agile Student Teams: The Secret To Make Groupwork Work
Developing effective teaming skills is a critical requirement for future readiness. In the world of complex challenges, real teams are the key to success, not just groups. Thus, one of the central objectives of an Agile Classroom is to enhance students’ ability to learn and work in real teams. When it comes to working collaboratively,…
Read MoreCoffee On The Brain Podcast Interviews John Miller
John Miller, the founder of Agile Classrooms, recently joined Aaron Maurer on the “Coffee For The Brain” podcast to discuss the benefits of using Agile principles in education. TOPICS WE EXPLORE TAKEAWAYS One of the key takeaways from the podcast was the power of the word “permission” in creating a culture of learning and growth.…
Read MoreThe Review Routine – A Feedback Protocol
An Agile Classroom encourages a frequent tempo and structure to demonstrate progress and receive feedback on small increments of learning. This is called the Review Routine. The Review Routine occurs at the end of each Learning Sprint.
Read MoreThe Check-In: A Classroom Routine For Focus, Accountability, and Progress
What If… Overview These are some benefits of “The Check-In Routine,” the third Self-Directed Learning Routine in the Learning Sprint. It makes progress toward the learning goals visible. The visibility evokes conversations and grows students’ capacity to self-monitor, adapt, and seek support. The Check-In Routine is short and frequent. It is typically scheduled at the…
Read MoreWhy 21st Century Skills?
21st Century Skills Most of us are familiar with the 4Cs of 21st Century Skills: (1) Creativity, (2) Collaboration, (3) Critical Thinking, and (4) Communication. But why do these matter more today? What is the context that requires us to change how we teach and learn? 21st Century Context The 21st Century is a wildly…
Read More10 Reflections for Agile Learners
Reflection is the heart of becoming an empowered and collaborative learner that continuously improves and quickly adapts to a fast changing world. But, they can be more engaging and easier to use. Student Team Reflection with Sticky Notes We have designed 10 reflections for you that are visible, fun, and evokes different perspectives. They can…
Read More4C Learner Reflection
I am excited to share a new Reflection Canvas for you to try!It is called the 4C Reflection. It is based on the concepts in Sharon Bowman’s book Training From the Back of the Room, a must read! You can use this for individual learners, shared reflection with student groups, and whole classroom reflection. Using sticky…
Read MoreReflection: Start Stop Continue
Reflection: The Heart of Learning Reflection is perhaps the most important thing in becoming self-directed, lifelong learners. It is the heart of 21st Century Skills, necessary for adaptability and innovation. It is paramount in shifting from reforming schools to transforming them. Reflection Excuses Without reflection, learners might learn content, but they are not growing as…
Read MoreBridging the Gap
The future will be a wildly different place than what schools were designed for. To thrive in a world that is increasingly complex, constantly changing, highly connected, and intensely competitive, students will need to master 21st Century Skills. Students will need to be adaptive, self-directed, collaborative, creative, and continuously learning. There are many approaches that…
Read MoreReflection: Glows Grows Knows
Sharpening the Saw We can all agree that we want students who are growing in their capacity to be self-directed, make better choices, and interact positively with one another. In order to do this, we have to give time for students to reflect and improve. Stephen Covey calls this sharpening the saw: “Suppose you came upon someone…
Read More