What's more important?

Traditionally, the focus in education has been on content delivery and, for the most part, has taken a top down approach. That is, the teacher imparts knowledge to students and learning takes place.

Still today, I hear teachers say things like “I have to get through the curriculum" -- with an emphasis on I. Many teachers I talk to agree that we need to change what teaching and learning looks like in order to meet student needs, especially at the secondary level; however, there is pressure and a legal responsibility to follow curriculum, assess student work and provide feedback (often in the form of a mark).

The current teaching model, which looks a lot like the same model from the past 100 years, works in terms of curriculum delivery and assessment -- it is efficient, but is it effective? Does it prepare our students for what comes after their formal education? I admit that I am afraid that if the teaching and learning model changes from something that has worked in the past, I may not “get through” the curriculum expectations and students may not acquire the “required” knowledge and skills. I am also afraid that if the teaching and learning model does not change, students may not acquire the "required" knowledge and skills.

The discussion paper, "21st Century Competencies", refers to numerous educational jurisdictions, studies and experts to define 21st Century competencies and explore why and how these competencies should be taught and nurtured in students. I think everyone in education would agree that it makes sense to help students develop "The 6 Cs of Education" as illustrated by Sylvia Duckworth above, but as Michael Fullan and Maria Langworthy note, there needs to be a shift “in the role of teaching from focusing on covering all required content to focusing on the learning process, developing students’ ability to lead their own learning and to do things with their learning. Teachers are partners with students in deep learning tasks characterised by exploration, connectedness and broader, real-world purposes” (32).

We need to find ways to meet the curriculum expectations but to do so in a manner that emphasizes 21st Century competencies and is presented in ways that engage, excite and empower students to learn.

What’s more important: to “get through” the curriculum or provide opportunities for students to develop skills that transcend the classroom?