Brian Tillman's Page

I learned that in today’s society there is a definite disconnect between the skills needed to be successful and the methods used to teach our students.    Learners today, spend too much time learning facts instead of applying those facts in real world scenarios.  Dr. Wagner lists seven skills today’s learner needs in order to be competitive in today’s work force.  Many of these skills involve critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork.  These skills represent the apex of Bloom’s Taxonomy.  Research shows that the 80% of teachers instruct on the lowest two levels of Blooms Taxonomy, which are remembering and understanding yet according to Wagner, today’s workforce is looking for people who can apply knowledge and problem solve.  This tells me that most educators are failing to prepare their students for success. 

I believe that the way we educate our students has to evolve.  This evolution has to start at the college level.  The way that we train teachers has to evolve.  In the mean time, I can make sure that I am integrating technology, the upper levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy, and teamwork as often as I can.  This must become an intentional act in order to create change. 

I am definitely a digital immigrant.  I learned how to type on a typewriter in high school.  I was first exposed to computers when I was in college.  I’ve been playing catch up ever since.  It is remarkable how far technology has come over the last twenty-five years but I am still apprehensive when it comes to technology.