Educating for the Future: A Structured Course to Train Teachers for the 21st Century

Abstract

The current study relates to the construction of a course entitled “Educating for the Future” (EFTF) to equip student-teachers with high order thinking skills. The course included several stages, programs, mini projects and learning environments adapted for a “technology-assisted pedagogy” based on Intel methodology. Student-teachers learned to combine new teaching methods with information technologies while stimulating interest, thinking and creativity in their students. 454 student-teachers completed the course. Evaluation after one year showed a necessity to switch to using also other pedagogical methodologies. Second year evaluation showed that students demonstrated required behaviors and skills during their “student teaching” experience and that they change their attitudes towards adopting 21st century skills.