A recent global study of the future of education by Google for Education has identified three key education trends: A rising demand for global problem-solvers; the skill sets required for work are evolving; and a necessary embrace of a lifelong learning mindset. “I found this whole report deeply validating for me, in saying, ‘Yes, the way that I was teaching was right,’” says Jennie Magiera, a former educator and Global Head of Education Impact at Google who notes that it also affirms what many educators are already doing in the classroom.

The Hour of Code takes place every year during Computer Science Education Week, December 5-11. It’s designed to get kids excited about coding via brief, enjoyable lessons, typically based on digital games and apps. However, you can also teach coding and computer logic with “unplugged” analog lessons.

Phenomenon-based learning engages students with a real-world “phenomenon” that sparks their curiosity, such as studying decomposition by researching what happens to garbage in their community or examining the recent story of a tortoise that crossed the Indian Ocean. The idea is that these types of real-world examples are complex and/or intriguing enough to encourage students to start asking questions to form deeper connections.

If you're new to teaching or looking for new tools/skills for your teaching toolbox, Tech & Learning's New Teacher Starter Kit offers expert tips, advice, resources, and more!