A MiddleWeb Blog
Every student we teach deserves a shot at success in our rapidly changing world. If schools and educators aren’t helping them get there, something need to change. Here’s an idea – maybe we need to rethink how we define what our goals are for students and how we go about imagining what they will become.
Our kids need to be able to do more than regurgitate textbook information on written tests and exams. Let’s take time to think about what our students really need to know and be able to do to build successful lives. Then we can begin the ongoing adventure of learning how to get them there.
For starters, I checked out competencies that today’s graduates need and started picturing what a well-prepared middle school student – one ready for success in high school and beyond – might look like. Here’s what I came up with.
Core learning skills that matter for success
The well-prepared middle-schooler is curious, innovative, and determined. These students embrace discovery and problem-solving. They practice logical reasoning, analytical skills, and tasks that give them a deeper grasp of the big ideas and core concepts in their subject matter.
A key strength of a middle school student prepared for success is the ability to think critically and solve problems. tackle tough challenges and come up with creative solutions. In school subjects these kids get experience with hands-on experiments to solve real-world problems, sharpen their skills, and push them to think outside the box.
Important skills that build a well-prepared middle school student include collaboration and teamwork. These kids bounce ideas off each other, share what they know, and work together toward common goals. STEM projects, in particular, help them learn and practice collaboration skills, think about and respect different points of view, and support each other.
Well-prepared middle schoolers can express their thoughts clearly and appropriately. They make good use of current digital tools to learn and connect. They use artificial intelligence thoughtfully and safely, and they remain aware of developments in this area. (If you’re interested in what I think middle schoolers need to know and be able to do with evolving artificial intelligence, see this recent post.)
The good news is that well-designed middle school STEM programs help students develop these strengths – whether or not they are going to pursue a STEM field as a career.
Life skills that matter for success
Think of life skills as foundational skills your students need to develop and practice to help them thrive in school, families, workplaces, and their world. These abilities equip them to deal effectively with the problems and challenges they will face in everyday life. Today’s employers report that they highly value these competencies and actively look for employees who practice them.
STEM programs provide a realistic setting for integrating and teaching life skills. As they work together, students can regularly practice life skills in real-time, get immediate feedback, and use this to learn and grow. STEM teachers, in particular, have unique opportunities to purposefully help students develop specific life skills.
Well-prepared middle school students practice a number of life skills that help them experience success. Among these are becoming trustworthy, ethical, and reliable. These students know how to own their actions and show accountability for the results they produce.
These students also work hard and show resilience. They set personal goals, give it their best shot, and keep going when they face challenges and setbacks. Just as important, they stay curious and keep learning and developing new skills, no matter where they are.
One of the most important life skills: these students learn to look for opportunities to help others without expecting anything in return. They listen carefully to others, practice respect, recognize everyone’s unique strengths (including their own), and treat others with kindness and empathy.
Wrapping It All Up
So what does the well-prepared middle school student look like? They’re curious, driven, and love to collaborate. They dig deep, stay open-minded, and can’t wait to make their mark on the world. With the right support they’ll grow into the kind of student, worker, and future leader who can take on the challenges our world faces and make a real difference.
The students you teach are the inventors and creators of tomorrow. Perhaps they’ll design a sustainable energy source, create an original software application, or engineer a new medical device. At this point in their lives you can cultivate and nurture their hope and innovative spirit to help them be the best they can be.
Producing middle school students who begin to learn and exhibit traits for success is a daunting task. By now it should be obvious that creating a well-rounded middle school student goes way beyond the textbook.
Clearly, teaching today is not for the faint-hearted! It requires the same set of skills you’re teaching your students, including knowledge, innovation, and resilience. But take heart! Help is out there in the form of materials, examples, and continual preparation that involves teaming with colleagues to learn, plan, experiment, modify, and continue to grow.
Continually learning and growing as a teacher can be an exciting adventure, providing you remember to shrug off malfunctions, bounce back, and keep your eyes on the destination: learning more about building well-prepared middle schoolers.
MiddleWeb is pleased to be the co-publisher, with Routledge/Eye On Education, of STEM By Design: Tools and Strategies to Help Students in Grades 4-8 Solve Real World Problems, by Anne Jolly. Visit the website supporting this new Second Edition and browse the many free resources.
