Sankofa Learning Framework
Date
2012-03-14
Authors
Frodsham, Lauren Sarah
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Abstract
The intention of my project is to draw upon features of our current education system, as well as components of 21st century learning, and create an alternative framework, which I have named the Sankofa Learning Framework, that will maximize student success and assist teachers in implementing thoughtful practices into curriculum. My project was informed by the history of educational reform and an understanding of 21st century learning (CCL, 2011; 21st Century Learning Initiative, 2011; Partnerships for 21st century learning, 2011; Pearson 21, 2011). The project is divided into four main sections: introduction, literature review, unit plan, and reflection.
My review of the literature revealed that language and literacy researchers and scholars generally agree that lessons should be rich and diverse with the 4 Cs (Partnerships for 21st century learning): communication; collaboration; critical thinking and problem solving; creativity and innovation. Further, the structure of short-term and long-term lesson sequences should be scaffolded and include a variety of purposeful and engaging high-inference tasks and open-ended strategies. This understanding assisted me in producing a unit plan which incorporates the lens (4Cs) and structure (scaffolding, high inference tasks and open-ended strategies) into seven lesson sequences. The unit plan includes detailed instruction, specific links to the lens, inclusion of the structure and references to possible modification and extensions.
Lastly, my reflections include the key points of each lens and structure component that I came to understand through research and creation of the unit plan. As well, I reflect on the process of narrowing my focus, creating and including each of these components in the unit plan and my future plans.
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21st Century Learning, communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and innovation, open-ended strategies, high-inference tasks, scaffolding