21st Century Education
On May 8th, Debbie Gleeson, owner of The Nature of Things and Second Nature Academy located in Nashua NH, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, “21st Century Education”. Debbie started off by provided several frightening statistics about U.S. education and how today’s children spend their time. Our education system ranks 17th in the world. Children spend seven hours in front of screens everyday (TV, computers, phones) outside of homework and school work. Children spend less than 30 minutes a day outside.
After going through a list of buzz words associated with education (e.g., STEM, STEAM, Common Core, etc.), Debbie went on to explain why it is essential to not take away children’s natural inclination to be exploratory and getting outdoors is a key component of that. “Play” (without continuous adult supervision and intervention) is also critical to the nature development of problem solving, collaboration, creativity, communication and the ability to take calculated risks. Chores are another key component of kids learning responsibility.
Other aspects of 21st Century Education include:
- Inquiry and exploration are key to developing live-long learners.
- Integrated and hands-on science and mathematics curricula inspire students to think logically, critically, and creatively.
- Humane education instills respect and responsibility for fellow humans, animals, plants, and the environment.
- Meaningful service learning projects impart qualities such as citizenship, empathy, compassion, and self-esteem.
- Whole education relies on enrichment through the arts.
Thanks to Debbie for an eye-opening and interesting discussion on education.