Educational Trends for 2012

As 2012 begins, we will start to see more of the generation z students, also known as internet generation and digital natives, changing how educators formulate lessons and interact with students. As technology advances, it infiltrates itself even further into education and modifies the classroom dynamic. The following are some important educational trends to watch out for in 2012:

1. More Homeschooling: Historically, homeschooling was seen as a rare phenomenon; however, lately, the concept of homeschooling has become more popular. This individualized, self-directed learning environment is gaining traction which means more resources and support for parents that choose this route. Technology and the internet has assisted with the growth of home school and makes it easier for parents and students to engage with others and learn.
2. Interactive Classroom: Education programs nationwide are beginning to see more acceptance of interactive tools such as the iPad. The students of today are already proficient with technology and can use it to engage and learn both at home and school. To get the digital generation better involved, teachers are incorporating interactive textbooks, educational games and collaborative projects into their lesson plans.
3. Visual Learning Techniques: The z generation of students are different from their parents and grandparents in the fact that their visual ability is more developed. Thanks to web browsing and information overloading, visual forms of learning are more effective and gratifying. Curricula is adapting to these changes by focusing more on looking rather than listening.
4. Online Projects and Collaboration: More and more teachers are beginning to embrace web-based programs to engage students with their classmates and children around the world. They do this through blogging, podcasting, digital media and a variety of other online collaborative projects.
5. Learning through Games: Instant gratification is a huge need for students these days, which makes learning via games not only more fun, but also more effective. Educational games motivate children to step out of their comfort zone to reach higher levels of knowledge- challenge themselves even further. While these games won't substitute lesson plans, they are a great supplemental resource.
6. Focus on Critical Thinking: Memorization is always inevitable, but the focus should be more on problem solving and critical thinking. The ability to recall memorized pieces of material have its place in the classroom, but critical thinking is more important for creating students that are ready to take on innovation and entrepreneurship once they get out of school.
7. Occupation-based Training: Higher educational costs coupled with the fact that many young people are already technically savvy enough to start a career that doesn't require a college degree, may cause many students to join the workforce right out of high school. More students are seeking out entrepreneurial opportunities at a younger age.
8. Learning in Small Bites: Teachers find that the newer generations of students are harder to teach due to their short attention span caused by the generation y's constant multitasking influence. Educators must now tailor their lesson plans into more manageable, bite-size segments.

This article was written exclusively for EzineArticles by Rachel P. Shaffin on behalf of Lakeview Academy, proud to be a leading independent, college preparatory day school, providing quality education for grades Pre-K through 12. Lakeview Academy is dedicated to the intellectual, moral, social, cultural, and physical development of every student and strives to produce responsible citizens who are prepared to lead lives distinguished by achievement and compassion.

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