Breaking Out of the Norm
In today's 21st century world, there are one million things kids need to learn. That's not a hyperbole, although a hyperbole is just one thing they need to learn. Not only do today's students need to learn all of the basic foundation skills in math, reading, writing, science, and social studies, but they also need to develop collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving skills like never before. We are preparing today's students for tomorrow's work force and many jobs that don't exist yet. As much as teachers hate to admit it, knowing multiplication facts might not be as important in the future. Knowledge of math will still be important, of course, but much more valuable will be things that a computer cannot do. A computer is not human, and it cannot communicate, collaborate, and problem solve like humans can. It is important that we allow students to develop these interpersonal skills if we want them to succeed today and in the future.
This isn't new, as teachers have been wearers of many hats for centuries, but the need is growing as technology is growing. Additionally, there are new ways to meet these needs in the classroom. One way is Breakout EDU, which is essentially an escape room in a box. Students must collaborate, problem solve, and think critically to figure out clues based on foundation skills in content subjects in order to unlock a series of boxes within a time frame. My 4th grade class participated in a breakout called "Let it Snow" in which they had to figure out winter related clues in order to unlock snowflake patterns in 45 minutes. Please watch a VIDEO highlight of their experience.
Some parts of the experience I expected, but other parts were surprising (both good and bad). Here are my takeaways:
~ Some students said they were not "getting a turn." I explained that this wasn't an activity where you could "get a turn" because everyone had to work together. They had to be willing to put themselves out there, and some students struggled with this.
~ Students that struggle academically had a chance to prove themselves in a different setting and be a hero.
~ Some students became so frustrated that they were not excited to have finally unlocked the box. They had given up out of frustration. We discussed afterwards how sometimes to learn we need to struggle.
~ Typical leaders had the opportunity to lead, but new leaders emerged as well.
~ Students had to work under pressure, which is realistic for the world.
~ Students learned to bring individual ideas together to support the group effort.
Although Breakout EDU cannot be an everyday occurrence, it is a valuable learning experience that should be incorporated in today's classroom. Breakout EDU allows teachers and students to break out of the norm to learn in a way that leaves a lasting impact.
