Discuss how the intersection and interaction of learner characteristics, instructional strategies, methods of inquiry, and the AASL's 21st Century Learning Standards will result in an increase in the development of 21st Century Learning Skills for students.

            All students can become information literate adults when they finish high-school if they are

givenopportunities throughout their entire school career (K-12) which allow them to develop independently,socially,and globally.  When students are given skills, resources, and the tools that teach them how to think critically and make informed decisions--they are ready to pursue personal and aesthetic growth that will enable them on their journey in becoming life-long learners. When students have been exposed to independent activities that motivate them to express themselves as individuals, they are more apt to develop a method of inquiry that motivates them to succeed at learning for themselves; thus becoming true independent learners. In addition, students learn how to interact cooperatively and socially when they take part in activities that permit opportunities to work with others in order to solve problems or come up with solutions.      

            In order for students in the United States to advance on a global level, they must be exposed to a variety of technological resources, which will propel them to seek diverse perspectives for gathering information in order to be prepared for future employment.  All students can become successful, literate, and productive adults when they have been nurtured in an environment in which activities have been chosen that teach them how to think critically in the race to become life-long learners.

            If one were to ask teachers which learning strategies he or she uses most--he or she would probably respond “independent activities.”  Independent activities allow students TIME to absorb concepts and ideas for themselves in a manner in which he or she feels most comfortable.  These types of activities would probably be most effective if teachers applied Howard Gardner’s Learning Style to each objective or even integrated it [the learning style] with one of Bloom’s Taxonomies; which list six different areas of critical thinking skills which led students to increasing higher-order thinking skills.  AASL’s Standards for the 21^st Century Learner says “in order for a student to become an independent learner, students must gain not only skills but also the disposition to use those skills, along with an understanding of their own responsibilities and self-assessment strategies.”

            Today’s students must also learn how to work together with others in order to get the job done. Use of interpersonal cooperative activities encourage students an opportunity to enhance their learning by sharing and learning with others.  According to AASL’s standards for the 21^st Century Learner, “Students need to develop skills in sharing knowledge and learning with others, both in face-to face situations and through technology.” There is no better time to teach students that there is more than one solution to a problem and that anybody can have the answer!

            Finally our students must be pre-pared to compete on a global level.  Employers look for people who have skills which enable them not only to stand above the crowd but to be a part of the crowd. Technology is the solution to this problem. Teachers must teach students how to use technology both efficiently and ethically. Use of technology in the classroom and/or media center helps make a teacher’s job easier because students are able to learn independently, socially, and/or globally.  When students are given authentic, open-ended, and relevant activities which enable them to use technology in a social context; they become powerful decision makers and are able to make positive choices in about the impact of their decision.

            When it is all said and done, educators must work hard to make sure we stay abreast of happenings in our learning communities that allow us opportunities to collaborate with each other so that we will be more prepared to teach our students how to become life-long learners. Our students can become successful information literate adults when we as educators have combined the learning styles of our students with proactive instructional strategies and models of inquiry that both motivate them and propel them to take control of their own learning. When we have done this our students will become productive and literate members of society who are ready for whatever the future brings.

References:

American Association of School Librarians. (2007). Standards for the 21st-Century Learner [Pamphlet]. Chicago, IL.