Effective Teaching ModelI must state that 21st century learning skills are a model example of effective teaching. In a constantly evolving society, it goes without saying that our classroom practices will also be revolutionized. In order to successfully prepare a student to enter the world outside of high school, we must prepare them for the realities they will encounter. Rotherham and Willingham (2009) state, “…the skills students need in the 21st century are not new” (p. 352). Critical thinking, problem solving, “mastery of different types of knowledge,” and multifaceted analysis are all skills that come from the traditional school setting (p. 352). “What is really new is the extent to which changes in our economy and in the world mean that collective and individual success depends on the possession of such skills” (p. 352). That being said, as our economy and our world continue to transform, as educators we must also renovate our thinking and teaching in order to do our best; However, some believe that we will never find perfection in the classroom or in the preparation of our students and that we should not capitulate to every movement we encounter. Sénéchal (2010) argues that a movement such as the 21st Century Skills Movement is nothing more than a distraction. She recognizes that our schools “need repair—but we will not improve them by disregarding tradition or succumbing to the ‘pretensions of the present’” (p. 370). She says that to solve problems we must “pursue excellence, nurture it, defend it, and deliver.” We must be prepared to raise the standard of the subjects we teach…” (p. 370). Maybe I'm reading too much or too little into this statement, but I would...... middle of article...... current online courses - what we do in a master's program I encourages my freshmen to do in my class). Not only do I push my students to think about higher means, but it is also a way to turn a class around. While I find value in both sides of the argument about what effective teaching looks like, I believe there is something to be done. said for a “something old and something new” approach. As an English teacher, I appreciate the ability and encouragement for creative projects, collaboration and use of technology; however, I also really enjoy a more traditional approach such as handwritten drafts, research papers, and a new study done in class with students reading parts of the book aloud. In an ever-changing society, I know I need to be open to change because no two school days are the same..