The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.
Alvin Toffler, American futurist
Think about just how true these words are, especially when we consider that teachers of today need to unlearn their traditional ways of teaching in order to move with what is needed for students in today’s world.
In today’s post I am sharing a particular video that moved me personally, provoking me to think and reconsider.
The video is called: Children-Full of Life (there are five parts)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=armP8TfS9Is
Having been involved in education for my entire career, as well as watching my own two children grow up has certainly made me conscientious about the role of schools in today’s changing world and what I can do, as an educator myself, to make it that little bit better. My curiosity keeps me always looking for articles, innovative and insightful websites, interesting videos and people who have something valuable to share. Which is what I like to do, share the information that inspires or moves me with others.
I plan to share a selection of my favorite videos, and 21st century teaching resources. I include why they make my list, how I have used them in my consulting work with schools or my work with individuals and, if appropriate, I include suggestions for how you can use them.
When it comes to making a difference in the lives of children, helping children be in touch with what makes us all human, vulnerable and empathic is essential. We can be the most intellectually advanced human being but sorely lacking in how to communicate, listen, and connect with others.
Connecting with our students models what we most strive for in our students: to become caring individuals, curious and motivated to learn and discover the world around them and within themselves.
How I Have Used Children – Full of Life Video
I have shared this particular video with teachers in some professional development workshops or coaching sessions and students I teach at both college and university. I share the video to open a discussion on what they can be doing with the students and clients they interact with. Watching the videos to share their impressions, reactions and suggestions, sometimes in a class or coaching session or on a blog or class forum. I post questions to spark conversations and provoke further insight into what is meaningful to teach our students and how we go about achieving this can make a difference in their daily lives.