4/8/2013
"What you know matters far less than what you can do with what you know" says Tony Wagner, a Harvard educational specialist interviewed in a recent NYTimes column by Thomas Friedman. With facts at everyone's fingertips, employers are more often looking for applicants who are curious, persistent, and willing to take risks. Students still need basic knowledge, of course, but shift the focus from 'teach and test' to learning concepts and creativity. Teaching students to be motivated life-long learners of skills that promote innovation -- critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration -- is a better strategy. Want to learn more? The Hewlett Foundation is a resource on teaching Deeper Learning, as is EdLeader2.