21st century skills

The two readings depict the new standards that are expected from students living in the 21st century, which goes beyond having the basic knowledge of the core subjects (English, language arts, world languages, arts, mathematics, economics, science, geography, history, government and civics). The world has become a place that is very connected through technological advances, and in order to succeed with the global economy and social expectations, students are encouraged to be more aware globally and be fluent in technological communications.

 Technology has made communication and access to information quicker but this also means that there are more expectations for students to know more. I think it is great that students are more "well-rounded" in a sense that they have more skills beyond the knowledge of the core subjects. These skills help them to be more open and knowledgeable about the world around them. I think awareness helps students to be more flexible that helps them adjust well and quicker to new obstacles in life.

 However, a part of me also think that as a society, we should be cautious of the dramatic increase of expectations we have for our students. They are expected to be smart, creative, innovated, flexible, social, productive, and responsible. On top of that, they are called to be independent leaders who know how to collaborate with others. Those are a lot of expectations! I believe that the best change is gradual change because it eliminates a drastic fall, which could lead to psychological damages. A friend of mine in Korea once had a theory that Korea's technological advances happened so quick that the people's mentality hasn’t been able to catch up. This kind of misalignment could happen to our students, which I believe is not always healthy for our country.

 Sometimes I feel bad for kids growing up right now because they know so much and are expected to know even more as they get older. It takes a lot of development as a child to reach all the standards stated in both articles, and most students do not receive enough preparation to enter the same playing field. This definitely causes a wider gap between students with more opportunities and those with a lesser-privileged background.

Adding and Subtracting Decimals using money.

Standards

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.B.7
  Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain the reasoning used.

Overview:

• Students will do problems involving money to add and subtract decimals with fake paper money. Students will then work on given problems with an online tool called "Money Master". While they work on this tool, they will record their math on the sheet. Those who finished early can play the games listed. 

Classroom Activities 

Introduction: Brainstorm with students how decimals are related to money. What is representations of the whole number, the dime, and the penny. What place value is the whole number, the dime, and the penny in? 

• Give each group a Ziploc bag with fake money and have students practice making a few given amounts. 
• Give a few groups a scenario in which they will need to pay for multiple things (this is for addition). 
• Give some other groups a scenario in which they will need to get change back (this is for subtraction).
• Have students share out their scenario, strategy, and answers. 

Technology: 

Introduce "Money Master" for students to practice adding or subtracting decimals. This is an online tool where students can pick the currency of their country. They will then have to gather or subtract the given amount. While students work on this, have a record sheet to have them write down their problem. For example, students would write 0.25 + 0.05 = 0.30 for the problem below. 

http://www.mathsisfun.com/money/money-master.html

After they had practiced using "Money Master", they can use the sites below for more word problems practice. 

Let's Do Lunch: http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/WebLessons/LetsDoLunch/default.htm

Show Me the Money: http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/WebLessons/ShowMeTheMoney/default.htm

Sources:

www.beaconlearningcenter.com

 www.mathisfun.com