What does a 21st-century teacher look like to you? You may have heard this popular buzzword thrown around your school or on the news, but do you know what a modern-day educator really looks like? Beyond the obvious of being up-to-date on the latest in technology, they can have the characteristics of a facilitator, a contributor, or even an integrator. Here are six more key characteristics of a 21st-century educator.
They're Adaptive
They are able to adapt to whatever comes there way. Being a teacher in today's world means that you have to adapt to the ever-changing tools and changes that are being implemented in the schools. Smartboards are replacing chalkboards and tablets are replacing textbooks and a 21st-century teacher needs to be okay with that.
Lifelong Learners
These educators don't just expect their students to be a lifelong learner, but they are as well. They stay up-to-date with current educational trends and technology and know how to tweak their old lesson plans from years before to make them more current.
Are Tech Savvy
Technology is changing at a rapid pace and that means that a 21st-century teacher is right along for the ride. The latest technology, whether it's for lessons or grading, will allow the teacher and student to be able to learn better and faster. An effective teacher knows that learning about the latest gadget can truly transform their students' education, so they are not just current on the new trends, but really know how to master them.
An effective 21st-century educator must be able to collaborate and work well within a team. Over the past decade, this important skill has grown quite rapidly in schools. Learning is deemed to be more effective when you can share your ideas and knowledge with others. Sharing your expertise and experience, and communicating and learning from others is an important part of the learning and teaching process.
Are Forward Thinking
An effective 21st-century educator thinks about their students' future and is aware of the career opportunities that may arise from them. They are always planning to ensure that no child gets left behind so they focus on preparing today's children for what's to come in the future.
Are Advocates for the Profession
They are an advocate not only for their students but their profession. Today's teachers are being watched with a close eye because of all of the changes in curriculum and the Common Core. Instead of sitting back, a 21st-century teacher takes a stand for their themselves and their profession. They pay close attention to what is going on in education and they address these issues head-on.
They also advocate for their students. Today's classrooms are filled with children who need someone to look out for them, give them advice, encouragement, and a listening ear. Effective teachers share their knowledge and expertise and act as a role model for their students.
21st-century teaching means teaching as you have always taught but with today's tools and technology. It means utilizing everything that is important in today's world so that students will be able to live and prosper in today's economy, as well as having the ability to guide students and to prepare them for the future.
FAQs
The 21st-century skillset is generally understood to encompass a range of competencies, including critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, meta-cognition, communication, digital and technological literacy, civic responsibility, and global awareness (for a review of frameworks, see Dede, 2010).
What are the characteristics of a 21st century teacher? ›
The focus of a 21st century teacher is on student by developing higher order thinking skills, effective communication, collaboration, and other skills that they need in the 21st century. The teachers must develop new teaching strategies that are radically different.
What is one of the most valuable characteristics a 21st century educator can exhibit? ›
Critical thinking is one the most important qualities for today's professionals to have. In the classroom, effective critical thinking inspires students to solve problems and make new discoveries. It's what helps students figure things out for themselves when they don't have a teacher at their disposal.
What is the most important characteristic of a teacher explain your answer? ›
Some qualities of a good teacher include skills in communication, listening, collaboration, adaptability, empathy and patience. Other characteristics of effective teaching include an engaging classroom presence, value in real-world learning, exchange of best practices and a lifelong love of learning.
What are the characteristics of the 21st century? ›
4 answers21st century skills encompass a range of skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy. These skills are necessary to keep up with the advancements in science and technology and to navigate the demands of everyday life.
What is the main characteristic of a 21st century classroom? ›
The emphasis in this classroom is on creating lifelong learners. With this goal in mind, students move beyond the student role to learn through real world experiences. Just as student learning has changed so has assessment of that learning.
What is the characteristics of a 21st century educator that is resilient? ›
embrace change, seek new challenges, take risks, are resilient and face fears. They continually expand their teaching and learning both for themselves and their learners.
Which of the following is a key characteristic of 21st century learning? ›
The Framework for 21st Century Learning
Learning Skills: Also known as the "four Cs" of 21st century learning, these include critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
What are at least three characteristics of teaching and learning in the 21st century? ›
21st Century education focuses on personalization, equality, collaboration, communication and community relationships. These skills are required in a rapidly changing global economy. Students will be training for jobs that do not even exist yet.
What are the 5 qualities of a good teacher? ›
5 Qualities Teachers Should Have
- Patience and Compassion. It's fair to say that most teachers will have their patience tested more than once during their careers! ...
- Energy and Enthusiasm. ...
- Excellent communication skills. ...
- Excellent subject knowledge and willingness to learn. ...
- Organisation and discipline.
The teams looked at the research that establishes these characteristics and have organized them around five components: learning climate; classroom assessment and reflection; instructional rigor and student engagement; instructional relevance; and knowledge of content.
What is the most important trait a teacher should have? ›
1. Empathy and compassion. By trying to understand each student as unique, you'll not only build positive relationships, you'll make students feel valued and accepted. When students are confident of their place, they're more receptive to learning.
What is the most important attribute of a 21st century teacher? ›
Flexible. Teachers are able to adapt to various learning styles and needs of the learners. They can facilitate learner-centered teaching with flexibility using alternative modes of delivery. arising problems in the field, be it in the classroom, in the school or the profession as a whole.
Why 21st century skills are important for teachers? ›
21st-century skills are needed for teachers to effectively prepare students for a rapidly changing world and also to utilize new technologies and methodologies in education.
What makes a teacher effective and efficient in the 21st century? ›
A 21st century educator is able to anticipate the future and plan for it. They are able to push their students to ensure that they will be able to navigate their way through this ever-changing technological world. They have the ability to prepare students for the unknown based on current trends and technology.
What is the main role of teachers in the 21st century classroom? ›
It is clear that the 21st-century classroom needs are very different from the 20th-century ones. In the 21st century classroom, teachers are facilitators of student learning and creators of productive classroom environments, in which students can develop the skills they might need at present or in future.
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