Embedded Files
The theme music for this series is Lost by Leesville Road High School’s Will McAlarney
Using the 4Cs to change how kids feel about school
Using the 4Cs to change how kids feel about school
January 27th
WCPSS’ mission is to “provide a relevant and engaging education and will graduate students who are collaborative, creative, effective communicators and critical thinkers.” This episode introduces our exploration of why these 4Cs are so essential to preparing our students to lead productive lives in a complex and changing world. We define each of the 4Cs, discuss potential challenges to measuring them, and finally offer a solution to the challenges which we will explore in subsequent episodes.
Research & resources from the episode:
Listening to Learn: Integrating the 4Cs Inside the Classroom at Wake STEM HS
Listening to Learn: Integrating the 4Cs Inside the Classroom at Wake STEM HS
February 10th
In this episode, we listen to real student voices as they share how their teachers bring the 4Cs—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity—into everyday lessons across different subjects. Join us as we react to their insights, discuss the impact of these skills on student engagement, and explore how fostering the 4Cs can make learning more meaningful and exciting. Tune in to hear why integrating these essential skills isn’t just good teaching—it can be a game-changer for student interest and success!
Research & resources from the episode:
Listening to Learn: 4Cs Outside the Classroom
Listening to Learn: 4Cs Outside the Classroom
February 24th
In this episode, we explore how the 4Cs—critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication—can be nurtured outside the classroom. Featuring clips from students presenting their GIS mapping projects, we highlight moments where they have applied these skills to their research on real-world problems. We also discuss how extracurricular activities and out-of-classroom experiences play a vital role in building these competencies. Tune in to see how learning goes beyond the classroom walls to prepare our students for the future.
Research & resources from the episode:
What students want their teachers to know about the 4Cs
What students want their teachers to know about the 4Cs
March 10th
In this final episode of our series on integrating the 4Cs, we turn to the experts—our students. Through their own words, they remind us that learning is social, that authenticity matters, and that engagement is key. Their advice challenges us as educators to always create learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom where collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity come to life in meaningful ways. Tune in for a powerful reflection on what students need most from their teachers.
Research & resources from the episode:
Performance Assessments and the 4Cs
Performance Assessments and the 4Cs
March 24th
Performance assessments can be a productive way for students to show their growth in the 4Cs (critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication). To dig deeper into this assessment method, we’re re-airing our discussion on performance assessments from November of 2020. Before and after that segment, we connect these ideas to what students told us throughout our 4Cs series.
Research & resources from the episode:
Educational Leadership: Good feedback is targeted, specific, timely
DRA Video on the cognitive science principle of Interleaving
Stiggins, R.J. Arter, J.A., Chappuis, J. & Chappuis, S. (2006). Classroom Assessment for Student Learning: Doing It Right-Using it Well. Portland, OR: ETS
Wren, D. G., & Garies, C. R. (201 9). Assessing deeper learning: Developing, implementing, and scoring performance tasks (1st ed.). Lanham, MD :Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Is there a topic you'd like us to cover this season? Let us know on our Messages page or email us at datalit@wcpss.net
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