I wanted my students to to do a couple important tasks on the first day of school, so I found a way to combine them into one activity!  Efficiency!

Since it's the first day, some of us don't know everyone!  A mixer is a nice, old-fashioned way of getting to know each other & building community in the classroom!  Instead of the traditional walking around mixer, I decided to do a techie version that requires students to embed a URL on their blog & comment on each others' posts!!!  (I bet these kids never expected this on the first day!)

The 21st Century Skills I chose to focus on during this activity:

• Think Creatively
• Make Judgments and Decisions
• Create Media Products

Focused my lessons entirely on content objectives


Tests & quizzes were the most important aspect of a unit

Summative assessments determined my students' success or failure

Worksheets & packets were differentiated to increase rigor

I tried to add "fun" lessons to spice up our learning

Students predominantly worked in isolation or as a whole group

Once an assignment was turned in, it was graded and returned, ending the learning process

As soon as we finished an objective or task, we quickly moved on

We used technology for word processing and research

Students would write & create for pretend audiences or myself

I spent most of my time lecturing, explaining directions, working with small groups, giving information, & answering questions

Formal programs and handed-down lesson plans dominated my instruction

Students spent most of their time "consuming information" from me or other resources

Nearly 100% of students' questions were directed towards me

My students often came to class with homework incomplete or missing

My students only chance to investigate their personal interests while in school was in writing assignments

Students spent most of their time sitting at their desks

I spent way too much time at the Xerox machine every weekend

Students were never asked to self-assess or set goals

Focus my lessons on 21st Century skills, Big Ideas, Enduring Understandings, and Essential Questions.

The learning process is the most important aspect of a unit

Formative assessment is used to provide feedback so all students improve throughout the learning process

Critical thinking scenarios & real-world problems are used to increase rigor

"Fun" is embedded into our everyday activities

Students predominantly work collaboratively with their peers

Once an assignment is turned in, students are allowed (& encouraged) to improve it indefinitely

As soon as we finish an objective or task, we take time to reflect and synthesize our learning

We use technology to create, collaborate, & reflect

Students write & create for authentic audiences such as classes around the world & famous authors

I spend most of my time setting up lessons, observing & praising, providing immediate feedback, & encouraging collaboration

PBL, Simulations, and other self-made 21st Century units dominate my instruction

Students spend most of their time "creating" based on information they gather

Nearly 100% of students' questions are directed towards fellow students

My students often come to school early or stay after school so they can finish their homework on time

My students spend 90+ minutes in school every week exploring their personal interests in Passion Time

Students are encouraged to sit anywhere in the room

In general, the only things I Xerox today are math & Time For Kids worksheets

Students set goals each trimester & assess their progress towards those goals