There is a lot of talk about the 21st century skills that our students will need in order to survive the "new" world. I say new because our world now changes so fast that there is no way to pinpoint where it is going. Based on what others have said and my personal experience in the classroom, the following is what I think students will need in order to be prepared to compete globally:
1. Ability to look beyond what is in front of your face- I know this is a long drawn out phrase but since I cannot find a word or two that sums it up...this is it. I find such difficulty at times to make my students THINK. To not look at their notes or the textbook when I ask a question. In a world where so much is just available at the click of a button it can be easy to not think.
Our students must learn how to think. To delve deeper and deeper. To go somewhere completly different than you first began. This is what the 21st century is all about if you want to be part of society and not just an onlooker.
2. Collaboration- This is something we already stress in most schools today. Even in careers such as education where in the past it was okay to close your door and lock your students in a little bubble; it is no more. Now, even we are forced to team with others to achieve a goal. This is going to be an absolute necessary skill to have in almost any career.
3. Adaptation- Some are lucky to have this ability innately. For most, however, this is a skill that needs to be developed. It starts in the classroom. This skill crosses so many boundaries whether it is in the workplace or in everyday life. All students must be able to adapt and move on in order to progress in this ever changing world. A person who is resistant to this will find a workplace that may become resistant to them.
I like the way you organized your piece Priscilla: a thoughtful introduction outlining your general ideas and then bullet points that address specifics. It is clear you are very invested in these ideas. Our challenge now, right where we find ourselves today, is to begin taking steps in our current settings that lead in the directions you have identified.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this article. You are definitely on point about what you think regarding education for the future. The area entitled, " the ability to look beyond what is in front of our face" is also critical thinking skills. There are now many books that ask questions to get our students to start thinking.
ReplyDelete