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Running Head: REFLECTION

Course Reflection
Katie Chock
July 1, 2015
CURR 341
Joel Blomenkamp, Ed.D.
Teacher College of San Joaquin

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Aha Moments:
I came into this section of the Masters program with my Mathematics Authorization. For
the past year, I successfully completed the Mathematics Instructional Added Authorization
(MIAA) program. I thought I would be more knowledgeable about topics we would be
discussing in this course than my peers. However, over the past two weeks, I realized I am in the
same boat as everybody else. I was completely unaware of 21st century learning, 3 Rs, Multiple
Pathways, education reform, and how to properly site APA citations. I have a passion for
learning, and will not by trying to implement these new strategies in my classroom.
My first aha moment came on the first day of class when we watched the video clip,
Shift Happens. The most important concept I took away from that clip was that we, as
educators need to prepare students for jobs that dont yet exist, and technology that doesnt exist
yet. (Rose, D. S., 2012) As I was watching this, I thought to myself, How am I going to prepare
my students for jobs and technology that dont exist? This is when I learned about 21st century
skills. Students will be college and career ready if they can master 21st century skills with the 3
Rs (Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships) If students are able to think critically and problem
solve, collaborate and communicate effectively, and create and innovate new things they will be
successful in the 21st century. If I can prepare my students for the future with these skills, I know
my students will be successful in all of their pursuits. High levels of imagination and creativity
are in demand, therefore, implementing these skills into my own classroom is a relevant skill
these students need to be prepared with.
The movie, Waiting for Superman provided a lot of insight to the way our education
system is run. Unfortunately, we have continue to have unqualified teachers in the public school
system. They are not educating students, and continuing their dis-service to society. I did not

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become a teacher to sit down, harass, or digress education. Due to Union contract, it is
challenging to fire a teacher; consequently, we do the Lemon Dance. (Guggenheim, D., 2011)
Bad teachers move around to multiple schools sites, while principals hope each newly
received teacher it will be different and more beneficial than the last. This video proceeds to
mention that the public believes we have failing schools because we have failing neighborhoods,
when in fact it is just the opposite. I have come to the realization that we have failing
neighborhoods because we have failing schools and school systems. I will not be affected by this,
and will continue to work hard to be an effective teacher. Incorporating these 21st century skills is
just the beginning. Subsequent steps include, carrying out my action plan, and continuing my
education.
The most important aha moment came from the reading 21st Century Skills: Learning for
Life in Our Times- Learning and Innovation Skills: Learning to Create Together. The author
states peoples misconception on creativity. Many people assume creativity is only for geniuses,
only for the young, or that it cannot be learned or measured. The fact is, everyone is capable of
learning. Creativity is based on something that virtually everyone is born with: Imagination.
(Trilling, B. & Fadel, C., 2009) Creativity is all around us. As a educator, it is our responsibility
to reach out to children and have them reach their own potential. We are the most consistent form
of structure in their day, and it is our job to believe in students, and to continue to provide
opportunities for creativity.

Readings:
I read a section of the book, 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times. The
chapter was entitled, Learning and Innovation Skills: Learning to Create Together. (Trilling, B.

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& Fadel, C., 2009) This book elaborated upon the three legs of 21st century skills. Trilling, and
Fadel say the three legs of 21st century learning is the key to unlocking lifelong learning and
creative work. They are the basic foundation of 21st century learning, and application of these
skills increases motivation and promotes learning outcomes. Success derives when you combine
these skills together; it is not a linear progression. Sir Ken Robinson mentions, We do not grow
into creativity, we grow out of it- or rather, we are educated out of it. (Trilling, B. & Fadel, C.,
2009) As an educator we need to teach our children these life-long skills in order for them to be
successful. The Multiple Pathways approach to learning encompasses these ideas. After learning
about Weber Institute and the MET schools, I believe they do the best job implementing 21st
century skills, and by default incorporate the 3Rs (Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships) in all
assignments. Their curriculum is designed around these skills. I need to do the same. Now that I
am in my third year of teaching, I need to formulate ways in which I can add these skills into my
curriculum. This is how my students will be successful for jobs and technology that do not exist
yet.
What is learning, and how do we define it? This concept was introduced in the article,
The Big Picture. (Littky, D. & Grabelle, S., 2004) Being able to memorize facts about concepts is
no longer relevant. It is not a skill we need to have. Learning is about being mindful; helping
people realize the world is full of interesting possibilities for learning. Teaching is about bringing
out the best in your students, the potential already inside of them by exposing them to different
opportunities and experiences. (Littky, D. & Grabelle, S., 2004) Our job as educators is to inspire
students to find their own passions and they own way of learning and applying to the real world.
Through the content of this course, I hope to instill a sense of passion into my students. Often

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times my students want me to tell them what to do or give them answers to problems. I want
them to want to find answers on their own, and be excited about learning.

Application:
I am excited to improve my teaching practices and implement things Ive learned
throughout this course. As listed in my action plan, I would like to take my leadership practices
to the classroom. I am enthusiastic about implementing my recycling plan at my school, as well
as the idea of giving a Professional Development to my school or district. My principal asked my
half way through last year if I was willing to talk. I was nervous at the time, and did not think I (a
second-year, twenty-four year old teacher) had any type of knowledge or insight veteran teachers
would be interested in hearing. However, I have come to the realization that I do have something
to offer. I have gained so much knowledge over this last year, especially these last two weeks.
There are so many teachers completely unaware of 21st century skills, 3 Rs, and the multiple
pathways approach to learning. That is just the surface of learning. I am now aware that I have a
lot to offer my district, and now would love to share my knowledge. Additionally, I have articles,
information, and recourses that can help aid me with this project. If I can help students with these
core ideas and skills, they can too.
The most valuable thing I can walk away with is knowledge of 21st century skills, and
teaching strategies of how to implement them. We talked about what our classroom will and
should look like in 20 years. 21st century skills will still be relevant. This is what I personally
need to apply to my classroom. I think students will be more engaged. Technology is also a key
factor in the classroom. I am eager to utilize more technology for the students. My teaching
practice will change if I can makes more project-based learning ideas with the use of technology.

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References:
Trilling, B., Fadel, C., & Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (2009). 21st century skills:
Learning for life in our times. (pp.45-60) San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Littky, D., & Grabelle, S. (2004). The big picture: Education is everyone's business. Alexandria,
VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Guggenheim, D., Kimball, B., Chilcott, L., Strickland, B., Canada, G., Rhee, M., Weingarten,
R., ... Paramount Home Entertainment (Firm). (2011). Waiting for "Superman".
Hollywood, California: Paramount Home Entertainment.
Rose, D. S. (Producer). (2012, May 8). Did you know?/Shift happens [Video file]. Retrieved
from http://youtu.be/XVQ1ULfQawk