Teaching to the Present

Various individuals often attempt to encapsulate the framework for 21st century learning. Yet,  I consistently  hear the statement that as educators we need to teach to the future. In the absence of a crystal ball, I am going to choose to look at my role differently. I believe that the teacher's role is to teach to the present. In doing so, we will be able to let go of ineffective pedagogy from the past and truly survey the current educational landscape.

 

The landscape is now digital. Students need the necessary navigational skills. This is a present reality - not a projection for the future.  As always, it is sound pedagogy which is able to respond to the needs of a changing world.

 

While I optimistically embrace the integration of technology into all areas of learning, I believe, we need to get past our stages of infatuation and see technology for what it truly is: a tool to accelerate learning through the building of relationships and community.


As we teach to the present , we do so with the understanding that the most important relationship is with our students. So, a "connected" teacher is first connected to their students, to their needs and to their unique abilities. Our second role is to learn, respond and lead. This leading will invariably look different from the leading of the past, but the  purpose is the same: provide opportunities for students to develop their skills and abilities so that they will go beyond  what we once thought possible individually and collectively.


Finally, it is our ability to respond to the needs of the present which enables us to impact students who, in turn, shape the future.

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