21st Century Skills

What is 21st century learning?

Twenty-first century learning involves enabling today's students to be academically competitive in global situations, good citizens within their community, country and world, and effective within their workplace. It means that education must engage new technologies, equip students with rigorous academic coursework, and foster innovation and creativity.

What are 21st century skills?

Twenty-first-century skills are the special abilities children need to develop so that they can be prepared for the challenges of work and life in the 21st century. These skills are grouped into three major categories: Learning and Innovation Skills, which include creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration; Information, Media, and Technology Skills, which involve effectively using, managing, and evaluating information from digital technology; and Life and Career Skills, which include flexibility and adaptability, self-direction, teamwork, appreciation of diversity, accountability, and leadership. While a 21st century education still involves mastering the content of core academic subjects, it must also include the teaching of the skills identified above.

Why do students need 21st century skills?

It is believed that every child in America needs 21st century knowledge and skills to succeed as effective citizens, workers, and leaders in the 21st century. There appears to be a wide gap between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need in typical 21st century communities and workplaces. If these students are to successfully face the rigorous higher education coursework, career challenges, and globally competitive workforce, then students must have 21st century skills infused into their teaching and learning environment.

Source: Pearson Education Inc.