Rethinking Learning: The 21st Century Learner | MacArthur Foundation

Summary

The discussion emphasizes the importance of embracing change for today's youth, highlighting the need for curiosity and a questing disposition akin to that of hardcore gamers. It argues that while children consume digital media, they aren't inherently producers; this requires inspiration and guidance. The focus shifts to 21st-century skills that encompass creativity, civic engagement, and social experiences, rather than merely technology use. Schools play a crucial role in providing a structured environment for learning and reflection, fostering coordination between formal and informal learning to better prepare students for contemporary society.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Embracing change is crucial for kids growing up today.
• 🎮 A curious and questioning disposition is vital for preparing students for the 21st-century workforce.
• 📊 Gamers are bottom-line oriented and desire to measure their improvement.
• 🎓 The mantra 'if I ain't learning, it ain't fun' reflects the mindset of real gamers.
• 📱 Children are born consuming media, but not necessarily producing it; parental and environmental influences are key.
• 🛠️ The focus of education is shifting from learning content to learning tools and skills for content creation.
• 🏠 Informal learning outside of school significantly impacts formal education.
• 🔗 There is a need to actively link informal and formal learning environments.
• 💻 Schools should have a balanced technology philosophy, utilizing digital tools when most effective.
• 🎨 Skills for creativity, civic engagement, and social life are essential for students, beyond just workplace skills.

Q & A

What is considered the most important trait for kids growing up today?

The love of embracing change is seen as the most important trait for kids growing up today.

How does curiosity relate to preparing students for the 21st-century workforce?

Curiosity and a questing disposition are essential for preparing students, as these traits help them engage with the evolving demands of the workforce.

What characteristic do hardcore gamers exhibit that is relevant to education?

Hardcore gamers are incredibly bottom line oriented; they want to be measured on their improvement, reflecting a desire for learning and growth.

What is the common mantra of a real gamer mentioned in the transcript?

The mantra is 'if I ain't learning, it ain't fun,' highlighting the importance of learning in their gaming experience.

What distinction is made between consuming and producing media in children?

Children are born consuming media, but not necessarily producing it, indicating that production skills are developed through inspiration and guidance.

What is emphasized about learning outside of school?

Learning outside of school is crucial as it significantly impacts learning within the school environment, and linking these two aspects is essential.

What approach is taken toward technology use in schools?

The approach is to bring out technology when it's needed and put it away when it isn't, ensuring that it serves as a tool for effective learning.

How are 21st-century skills often misinterpreted?

21st-century skills are often reduced to merely workplace skills and technological competencies, while they should also include creativity, civic engagement, and social life skills.

What role do teachers and schools play in a child's education?

Teachers and schools provide access to a baseline set of standards, literacies, and expectations necessary for participation in contemporary society.

What is the importance of a shared safe space for kids and adults?

A shared safe space allows kids to reflect on their experiences without being fully immersed, facilitating thoughtful engagement with everyday life.

What is the relationship between informal and formal learning as described in the transcript?

The transcript emphasizes that informal and formal learning should work together in a coordinated way rather than abandoning one for the other.