Learning for the future

Looking at this wave power generator - don't you find it fascinating that someone thought of that?
I read an interesting article the other day in preparation for some strategic thinking exercises. The report was by the NESTA and focussed on students interaction with schools, employers views and skills needed for the future. 'Ready for the Future' explores the skills that will drive innovation in the future. What I found interesting in the report was that employers stated that school leavers have significantly more skills entering the workplace than the previous groups of the last 10 years but they still see a disparity between what they need and what the school leavers can provide. In this ever-changing world the skills of innovation, communication, problem-solving and collaboration are a very high commodity. In reference to this I loved Kirsten Berry's work today in maths in room 22. She took a newspaper article, dissected the maths components and launched a problem solving exercise based on the article. This was real maths, new, fresh and dynamic. INNOVATIVE.  Read the kids responses on their blogsite. They clearly really enjoyed the exercise.