Week Two

The Modern Student

The modern learner are Generation Z children. These are children born after the new millenium. These students are filling primary schools and changing the way educators should be approaching education, teaching and assessment

Who are they?

Generation Z will be the most technology dependent students to move through school. They were born with technology, they have never known a time before personal computers, tablets, mp3 payers, mobile phones and gaming devices. They can email, text and use computers with ease and are able to adapt, understand and master new technology quickly. These are the minds and characteristics that will be joining the work force in the future.

How do they think?

How do we teach?

Critical Thinking Generation Z will be able to think about their thinking.These students need to be able to; Ask questions Define problems Examine Evidence Analyse Interpretations Avoid over simplification Avoid emotional ambiguity (Wade 1995) Critical thinkers are skeptical and open minded so these students would excel in investigation or research learning. They are seek clarity and precision and are able to evaluate their own thinking which means that they will work well in groups and in student lead activities.

Problem Solving Problem solving stresses critical thinking, as well as decision making skills. Looking at Woods Problem solving Model we see how students are able to develop problem solving skills. 1. Define the problem The System What is the provided information explaining? To interperate information students must understand how the information provided in the problem is relevant. Creating mental maps or diagrams is a good way to start this. Known Concepts What do they know about the problem? And how to solve it already? List the information provided in easy to understand language and the knowledge that is needed to solve it. This way students are clear about what needs knowing. Unknown Once there is a list of the unknown knowledge, the students need to be able to fill in the gaps. Students will be able to direct their own learning to suit their needs, implying critical thinking (self regulated thinking and reflection) 2. Think about it Identify Specific Pieces of Knowledge Students need to determine what is useful and what is not useful knowledge. They need to reflect on prior knowledge, new knowledge, the system and the question asked. Collect Information For students to create an educated solution they must have access to data or past experiments. They need to use questioning and collect and organise data. Tables, graphs and charts are a great way for students to do this. 3. Plan a solution Consider Possible Strategies The type of solution that best fits the type of problem. Students use this stage to apply their knowledge and create solutions. This is where students will be able to interact with peers and brainstorm together in an enviroment that must promote creativity. This is where students will be able to create diagrams and models. Choose the best strategy This is where the students need to implement critical thinking and forward thinking. They need to determine the best solution to fit the problem. 4. Carry out the plan Be patient, be persistent This is where students may need to move back a few steps and re think their ideas and try again, or where they may be met with success.

Creativity Promoting creativity in the classroom is a must have for Gen Z learners. Brainstorming - This helps students expliore the ideas they wouuld not otherwise suggest. There are no limits in brainstorming, you just write down all answers, even the ones that are shocking. This allows students to go back and extend on ideas and critique others. Assumption Busting - Students who are ciritcal thinkers are skeptical. Promote students to not accept all things that they hear as true. If students are met with a fact or statement, get them thinking about what makes it true, or what could make it false. Concept Mapping - An organised brainstorm, students not only record their ideas, but also their though process into creating the ideas, and can revisit these thought processes. Role-playing - Allows students to think about their thinkig and see a situation from another persons point of view. This invites students to think like other people would. From this students can create new ideas by reflecting on their character likes, personality and history. There is a whole host of other activities that could be classified as mind maps, such as; Fishbone Map Laddering Decision Tree Story boarding

What do they need?

Generation Y are filling jobs that did not exist 10 years ago. The generation has adapted and now has skills that allow them to be the best at these jobs.

These students need interaction with technology, as they will be filling jobs that don't exist today in 10 years. They need to develop these skills to move forward. Who knows what the students of today will grow up to be?
References
Morrill Hall/ Iowa State University (2011, June 7). Techniques for creative teaching. Retrieved from http://www.celt.iastate.edu/creativity/techniques.html

Wade, C. (1995). Using writing to develop and assess critical thinking. Teaching of Psychology, 22(1), 24-28.

Woods, D.R., Wright, J.D., Hoffman, T.W., Swartman, R.K., Doig, I.D. (1975). Teaching Problem solving Skills.