Tag Archives: Finland

The (Newly Rediscovered) Importance of Work Habits: Perseverance, Responsibility, Collaboration

Evaluation of students at the elementary and middle school levels has changed in the past decade. My school evaluates students based on content mastered, but in addition – the norm these days – we place a heavy emphasis on the importance of work habits and we report on mastery of these habits alongside mastery of […]

Imagination in the Curriculum: the Arts, History, Languages

“In Singapore and South Korea, teachers are thought of as nation-builders.” Secretary Duncan made this comment in May, 2011 at the National Center on Education and the Economy National Symposium. As a teacher in the United States am I seen as a nation-builder? To be honest, I more often feel I am seen as a second-rate […]

21st Century Skills at Risk

What should schools be teaching? What is fundamental to the skill set of an educated person? According to the Framework for 21st Century Learning, created by The Partnership for 21st Century Skills with the encouragement of the U.S. Department of Education, among skills at the center of the curriculum should be : Critical thinking. Communication. Collaboration. Creativity. I think […]