Model of Effective Instruction I would argue that 21st Century Learning Skills is a model example of effective instruction. In an ever-evolving society it is obvious that our classroom practices will also be revolutionized. 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 originated in the traditional classroom environment (p. 352). “What is actually new is the extent to which changes in our economy and the world mean that collective and individual success depends on possessing such skills” (p. 352). That said, as our economy and our world continue to transform, as educators, we must also renew our thinking and teaching to be at our best; However, some believe that we will never find perfection in the classroom or in the preparation of our students and that we do not have to capitulate to every movement we encounter. Senechal (2010) argues that a movement, such as the 21st century skills movement, is nothing more than a distractor. He recognizes that our schools “are in need of repair, but we will not improve them by scorning tradition or succumbing to the “pretensions of the present”” (p. 370). He states that to solve problems we must “seek excellence, cultivate it, defend it and live up to it. We must be willing to raise the level of the subjects we teach…” (p.370). Maybe I'm reading too much, or too little, into this statement, but I would like... middle of the paper... current online courses: what we are doing in a Master's program I encourage my freshman to do in my class). Not only am I pushing my students to think more highly, but this is also a way to flip a classroom. While I find value in both sides of the argument about what effective education should look like, I believe there is something to be 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 appreciate a more traditional approach such as handwritten drafts, research papers, and a new study that is completed in class with students reading portions of the book aloud. In an ever-changing society, I know I must be open to change as no two days in the classroom are the same.