Bringing More Than 21st Century Skills to Students

Developing Critical Thinking Skills with BSD

Baldi Middle School recognized the importance of integrating technology education into their curriculum. However, they sought more than just a coding tool; they wanted a comprehensive solution that would foster critical thinking and social-emotional learning skills in their students. The school's goal was to prepare their students for success in all future endeavors, not just in the realm of technology. This case study explores how BSD Education partnered with Baldi Middle School to bring more than just 21st-century skills to their students, focusing on developing crucial critical thinking abilities.

Our Solution

This multifaceted approach aimed to prepare students for the digital world they inhabit, focusing not just on coding skills but on developing well-rounded individuals capable of navigating complex challenges. Jackie Mandel, a digital literacy teacher at Baldi, emphasized the depth of the BSD program: “BSD is not just learning how to code, it’s also learning how to think about what you’re learning. BSD helps us teach all the things we hope people have these days, including the critical thinking skills, the creativity, and the perseverance to succeed.”

The Results

Mandel highlighted the lasting impact of the program: “The skills they learn with BSD will carry with them no matter what they do. It really builds on the C.A.R.E. skills–curiosity, adaptability, resilience, and empathy–we need to be humans in this world.” By partnering with BSD Education, Baldi Middle School has successfully implemented a technology education program that goes beyond coding, equipping their students with the critical thinking and social-emotional skills necessary for success in the modern world. This case study demonstrates how innovative educational partnerships can prepare students not just for future careers, but for life itself.

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BSD Education (Build Something Different) partners with educators to bring technology education into classrooms through our programs of learning, online learning platform and professional development training.