21st Century Skills

21st Century skills and themes are abilities that are necessary for students to obtain in order to compete in today’s global world. Proficiency of core subjects and 21st century themes is critical for today’s students to be successful in society. The core subjects consist of English, reading or language arts, World languages, Arts, Mathematics, Economics, Science, Geography, History, Government and Civics. School communities have a duty to foster an understanding of academic subject matter at higher levels by incorporating the 21st century themes into the core subjects. 21st century themes are financial, civic literacy, health literacy, entrepreneurial literacy and global awareness.
These 21st century themes have been broken down into 21st century skills. The first skill set, learning and innovation is described as skills that separate students who are prepared for increasing complex 21st century life and work environments and those who are not. Learning and innovation skills focus on a student’s creativity, critical thinking, and communication and collaboration ability. Creativity skills emphasize creative thinking, working creatively and implementing innovations.
Information, media and technology skills, the second skill set concentrates on ability of students demonstrating a range of functional and critical thinking skills related to the areas of information, technology and media. The skills developed in this area are information literacy, media literacy and ICT literacy. Information literacy teaches students how to access, evaluate, use and manage information efficiently, critically, competently and effectively. Media literacy develops 21st century skills by promoting learning through media analysis and creation of media products. ICT (Information, Communications & Technology) Literacy skills focuses on the 21st century skills of applying the use of technology effectively.
Life and Career Skills are 21st century skills needed to prepare students to be able to navigate in the global workforce. The first group of skills within life and career promote the ability for students to become flexible and adaptable. In the 21st century world, people must have the capability to adapt to various changes on their jobs such as their role and responsibilities as employees and be able to work effectively in a climate of ambiguity and changing priorities. Being flexible is an imperative skill 21st century employer’s desire in staff particularly in dealing with feedback, and reaching workable solutions in multi-cultural environments.
Two additional life skills necessary for 21st century learners are Initiative and Self-Direction. Student must be taught how to manage time and goals while working independently. They also have to be self-directed learners and exercise the initiative to be life-long learners. Social and Cross-Cultural Skills in still the values of respect of others cultural different and to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner.
Productivity and Accountability are 21st century skills that students need to develop that teach them how to manage projects by setting and meeting goals, and prioritizing work to produce results.
Lastly, leadership and responsibility are the 21st century skills that develop interpersonal and problem-solving skills in students, assist with teaching them to inspire others to reach their very best via example and selflessness, and to act responsibly with the interests of others in mind.
21st century skills are interdisciplinary which connect to real world situations, making them relevant to students. I believe that when students can associate school subject matter to a pertinent part of their life, they invest themselves in the learning process. Technology has changed the way we access information therefore it is only logical schools change the delivery of education and learning goals. With technology is in almost every aspect of our lives, it is only appropriate that schools prepare students for living in that world by educating them with 21st century knowledge and skills.