Skills K-12 students need
to be literate in the 21st century
Students as researchers
Research Based Projects
As research becomes easier to access via the internet, more students at younger ages are conducting research based projects. Are these students being taught comprehensive research skills? A hallmark trait of a 21st century education will be understanding and adopting appropriate research methodologies.
Critical Thinking
The critical thinking skills that research based projects require complement many differentiated learning curricula currently in use.
Students should be encouraged to develop skill in evaluating trustworthiness of sources. What is a primary source? What is an example of an online source that is not accurate?
STEM Fields
Student research projects can be used in most academic subjects but are particularly well suited to technology, science and the humanities. As STEM subjects are being given more attention, the student generated research potential of these subjects could be a potential source of academic promise.
Other Resource Links
International Society for Technology in Education ISTE - A membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving learning and teaching by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education.
The National Center for Technological Literacy® (NCTL®) - This Museum of Science, Boston initiative is active nationwide via partnerships that seek to raise awareness and understanding of engineering in schools and museums
Journal of Technology Education - A forum for scholarly discussion on topics relating to technology education with a focus on technology education research, philosophy, and theory.