The 21st century learner is the same as the 20th century learner, but 21st century learners have access to better educational research. Educational systems tried to shove 20th century learners into the same mold—the philosophy that all students should learn in the same way and be tested in the same way. Standardized testing came out of this era – it is a 20th century hold over we must deal with in the 21st century.
In a discussion with one of my classes today about standardized testing, I stated that standardized testing doesn’t effectively measure the learning of all students since students learn differently and have different experiences. One of my students said, but that’s they way it’s always been and how students have always been measured.” I assured him it’s not. I let him know that this didn’t start until midway through the 20th century and that it needed to end.
I asked the class, “In the last half of algebra 1, did you actually learn any algebra, or did you learn tips and tricks on how to take the EOC (end of course) test and how to put multiple choice answers into a calculator to work backwards?” They thought for a minute and agreed that they learned test taking techniques instead of actual math. While it’s true, the students are still learning, what is the value of what they’re learning? At what point in their lives will knowing how to narrow down their multiple choices then plug the remaining answer choices into a calculator for an answer to a meaningless equation be helpful? Only on other standardized tests.
Our students aren’t standard. Why should their assessments be standard? And why should their learning be fit into a one size fits all mold?
In the video Rethinking Learning: The 21st Century Learner (2010) John Seely Brown asks, “The catch for preparing students for the 21st century workforce is how do you get kids to have curiosity and questioning disposition?” Standardized testing is not the way to inspire curiosity and questions—it’s a way to kill them. Standardized testing believes that all questions have one right answer. That’s not always true.
To address the 21st century needs of my learners and try to move away from the one size fits all mold, my innovation project calls for interactive lessons the students can engage with at their own pace. These can be videos, games, books, anything that inspires them and sparks their curiosity.
We know that the teaching methods of the 20th century didn’t work then, and they certainly won’t work now. We need to push for a change in these methods so our learners can reach educational heights we never did.
Rethinking Learning: The 21st Century Learner: MacArthur Foundation. (2010). YouTube. https://youtu.be/c0xa98cy-Rw.
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