21st Century Skills
There is a lot of discussion in current literature on developing 21st century skills. The basic idea is that a successful career is not just based on the 3 R’s many of us grew up with: Reading, Writing, Arithmetic. In addition to those skills, students need to learn the 4 C’s: Creativity and Innovation, Critical Thinking and problem solving, Communication and Collaboration. Solarz takes this idea one step (or a few) further and synthesized a list of 34 skills in 11 categories: Communication and Collaboration, Creativity and Innovation, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Reflection and Awareness, Flexibility and Adaptability, Initiative and Self-Direction, Social and Cross-cultural skills, Productivity and Accountability, Leadership and Responsibility, Information Literacy and Media Literacy.
This chapter essentially breaks down these categories and skills. As you read further, do not get overwhelmed. It takes time to build the learning of these skills into your classroom. As you read further, ask yourself, do my students have these skills? Do I create a learning environment that promotes these skills? If not, pick an area and get started. Furthermore, Solarz talks about the importance of reflection. At the end of each trimester, each student fills out a 21st century skills progress report for himself, then the teacher does the same, and then the students compare the two. Finally, they choose five areas of growth for the coming semester.
Here are some of the highlights of these skills as described in
the book:
1.
Communication and
Collaboration
A. Communicate Clearly
Articulate thoughts and ideas effectively using oral, written
and nonverbal skills. Listen effectively to decipher meaning
B. Collaborate with Others
Demonstrate ability to work effectively and respectfully with
partners and small groups. Assume shared responsibility for collaborative work without
dominating or letting others do all the work. Be sensitive to the needs of your peers and do what you can to
help them.
C. Think Interdependently
Realize a group can accomplish a common goal Listen and strongly consider the ideas of others. Value the individual contributions made by each team member
2.
Creativity and Innovation
A.
Think Creatively
Use a wide range of creativity techniques (such as
brainstorming). Elaborate, refine, analyze and evaluate ideas in order to
improve and maximize efforts.
B.
Work Creatively with Others
C.
Apply Past Knowledge to New
Situations
Develop, implement and communicate new ideas to others
effectively Be open and responsive to new and diverse perspectives;
incorporate group input and feedback into the work.
D.
Apply Past Knowledge to New
Situations
Draw from experience when confronted with new perplexing
problems. Recognize similarities between past experiences and current
challenges and draw from what was learned.
3.
Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving
A.
Think Critically
Use various types of reasoning (inductive, deductive, etc) as
appropriate to the situation.
B.
Make Judgments and
Decisions
Effectively analyze and evaluate evidence, arguments, claims and
alternative points of view. Interpret information and draw conclusions based on the best
analysis
C.
Ask Questions
Ask questions to fill in the gaps between what is known and what
is unknown Ask questions on all levels of Blooms Taxonomy of Thinking
D.
Solve Problems
When appropriate, challenge yourself to find multiple correct
ways to solve a problem.
4.
Reflection and Awareness
A.
Metacognition (Thinking
about our thinking)
Know what you know and what you don’t know Know what to do and when to do it Be conscious of the steps and strategies during the act of
problem solving Be aware of one’s actions and the effect of those
actions on others and on the environment. Shift gears if you plan isn't working Explain your thinking and the strategies used while making
decisions.
B.
Reflect and Synthesize
Reflect critically on experiences to avoid repeating your
mistakes Identify those “Aha! Moments”
when something finally clicks.
5.
Flexibility and Adaptability
A.
Adapt to Change
Adapt to varied roles, jobs, responsibilities, schedules and
contexts.
B.
Think and Learn Flexibly
Change your mind when you receive additional data. Understand their are multiple ways to solve a problem.
6.
Initiative and
Self-Direction
A.
Manage Goals and Time
B.
Be a Risk-Taker
Take educated risks and frequently push the boundaries of your
perceived limits. Be resilient if your risk-taking isn't successful. Don’t
worry what others think. Know when risks are not worth taking View failures as an opportunity to learn.
C.
Be Self-Directed Learners
Commit to being a lifelong learner Work on tasks because of the challenge they present rather than
the material rewards. Be intrinsically motivated.
D.
Persist Despite Setbacks
Stick to the task until it is completed Have a repertoire of strategies to solve problems if one isn't
working.
E.
Be Curious
Identify new problems that need to be solved and probe into
their causes. Enjoy figuring out problems without adult assistance.
F.
Learn Continuously
Constantly be on the lookout for new and better ways of doing
things. Invite he unknown, the creative and the inspirational.
7.
Social and Cross-Cultural
Skills
A.
Interact Effectively with
Others
Know when it is appropriate to listen and when to speak. Conduct yourself in a respectful, professional manner. Be humble, not a know-it-all
B.
Work Effectively in Diverse
Teams
C.
Find Humor
Appreciate and understand others’
humour. Be able laugh at situations and yourself
8.
Productivity and
Accountability
A.
Manage Assigned Tasks
Prioritize, plan and manage work to achieve the intended result. Be ble to mult-task Double-check that everything is complete and all requirements
have been met. Meet deadlines without reminders from adults and peers
B.
Produce Results
9.
Leadership and
Responsibility
A.
Guide and Lead Others
Know when to step back and when to lead. Inspire others to be their very best via example and
selflessness. Demonstrate integrity and ethical behaviour in using influence
and power.\
B.
Be Responsible to Yourself
and Others
10. Information Literacy
A.
Access and Evaluate Information
Access information efficiently (time) and effectively (sources). Evaluate information critically and competently (use only
trusted sources.
B.
Use and Manage Information
Manage the flow of information from a wide variety of sources. Understand the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and
use of information (cite your sources).
11. Media Literacy
A.
Analyze Media
B.
Create Media Products
C.
Apply Technology
Effectively
Access information efficiently (time) and effectively (sources).
CLICK HERE to see Solarz’s resources on 21st
Century Skills
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