21st Century Learning and Teaching

Kids do crazy things, but we expect more from grown-ups, don’t we? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Folks scream obscenities at ballgames, bully people on social media, and treat others with total disrespect. If you think this behavior is rude, insensitive, and tasteless, you’re right. But why is it so prevalent? The truth is, some people behave this way for personal gain; some folks don’t know better; and others know they’ll get away with it — because they have in the past. Some grown-ups never grow up.

While some indiscretions were once considered outlandish, we’ve become desensitized to these actions. It’s troubling that some of this behavior could have been avoided, but too many of us didn’t speak up. Instead, we closed our eyes to the poor behavior and waited for others to make the first move. The consequence is that wrongs committed by enough people become the norm over time. We have no one to blame except ourselves.

As leaders, role models, and parents, we must utilize every opportunity to reinforce the values that we hold dear.

What Values Do You Cherish?
Are polite manners a thing of the past? Should people honor their word? Is it Pollyanna to expect people to do what’s right? I think not! But if we don’t promote good values, don’t be surprised when bad ones become the norm. “How do we improve the situation?” you ask.

First, we must modify our criterion of excellence. It’s not what you have but who you are that counts. Moral character matters!

Learn more / En savoir plus / Mehr erfahren:

https://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=Frank+SONNENBERG

http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=Character

http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?q=ethics

https://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Values

http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Growth+Mindset

If you define winning as getting the upper hand, backing your opponent into a corner, and winning at any expense, you’ve got it all wrong. You may win in the short term, but think about the relationship going forward. Do those actions build trust, teamwork, and respect? I think not. You’ve probably created enough animosity, distrust, and jealousy to last a lifetime. In other words, you may have won the battle, but lost the war. There’s a better way…winning doesn’t have to be at someone’s expense.

Compromise: A Win-Win Strategy

Some people need to win at all costs because their ego won’t accept anything less. They’d rather win personally than accomplish something meaningful. Compromise isn’t a synonym for surrender; it’s a winning battle plan.

Learn more / En savoir plus / Mehr erfahren:

http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=Win-Win-Situation

http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=Frank+SONNENBERG

Unlock your potential. Take a moment to think about these 52 awesome questions. 

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http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Frank+SONNENBERG

Communication matters. While a few words can make someone feel special, words poorly chosen have the power to kill a relationship or tarnish a reputation.

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https://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=Frank+SONNENBERG

Wikipedia explains service learning as: "An educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs."

That second definition is easier to comprehend, but it still feels more complicated than it needs to be. How about this: In service learning, students learn educational standards through tackling real-life problems in their community.

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http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Empathy

http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Sociality