PLANNING AHEAD

Module 1, planning ahead
Beginning the Planning Process

Step 1: Thinking about My Unit Plan and Project Design

In Module 2, you will share your Unit Plan ideas with your colleagues. Use the following questions to think through the possibilities for your unit:
1. What is the topic of the unit that you will develop during this course?

2. What real-world connections are you considering for your unit?

3. How might you integrate the use of technology?

4. What project scenario are you considering? What is the big picture or general idea of your project?

5. What roles will your students play and what tasks will they complete?



Step 2: Targeting Higher-Order and 21st Century Skills

The following 21st century skills are all important for your students to master to achieve success in the future. Review the descriptions of each skill and brainstorm what it could mean in your subject and year/form. How can you incorporate these skills into your Unit Plan? What would these skills look like in your classroom?

Essential 21st Century Skills1
· Accountability and Adaptability—Exercising personal responsibility and flexibility in personal, workplace, and community contexts; setting and meeting high standards and goals for one's self and others; tolerating ambiguity


· Communication Skills—Understanding, managing, and creating effective oral, written, and multimedia communication in a variety of forms and contexts


· Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity—Developing, implementing, and communicating new ideas to others; staying open and responsive to new and diverse perspectives


· Critical Thinking and Systems Thinking—Exercising sound reasoning in understanding and making complex choices; understanding the interconnections among systems


· Information and Media Literacy Skills—Analyzing, accessing, managing, integrating, evaluating, and creating information in a variety of forms and media


· Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills—Demonstrating teamwork and leadership; adapting to varied roles and responsibilities; working productively with others; exercising empathy; respecting diverse perspectives


· Problem Identification, Formulation, and Solution—Ability to frame, analyze, and solve problems


· Self-Direction—Monitoring one's own understanding and learning needs; locating appropriate resources; transferring learning from one domain to another


· Social Responsibility—Acting responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind; demonstrating ethical behavior in personal, workplace, and community contexts









1Source: Partnership for 21st Century Skills (www.21stcenturyskills.org). Used with permission.