Twenty First Century Skills

There is an increasing focus on 21st century skills, there are few educational communities that are truly prepared for this. When you ask most educators what these skills include, most cannot provide name these skills.

I believe Language acquisition is a critical part of 21st learning and global competence.  Carol Dweck preaches the notion of mind set. As teachers we should work around developing each student's growth mindset, in order to make our students more prepared to tackle challenges and persist obstacles. 

Teaching 21st Century skills include teaching our students how to be adaptive learners and critical thinkers. These will help them to be successful in the long-term social and global interaction . Even if we are unable to fully prepare them for the challenges they will face, if they learn to be flexible and comfortable with change. Carl Rogers believes that person-centered teaching methods result in higher achievement, less violence, more thinking and creativity, higher student and teacher satisfaction.

Twenty First Century Skills include:

• Appreciating cultural differences
• Understanding and considering multiple perspectives
• Critical and comparative thinking skills 
• Problem-solving abilities
• ·Comfort with ambiguity and change
• ·An understanding of globally significant issues
• and maybe using technology, critical thinking, interaction and integration

I believe a teacher who challenges and encourages students to be comfortable with changing environments and circumstances simulates the realities of our deeply dynamic world. Students must understand that even small actions can have a significant impact, and these small actions can be hugely empowering. 

 Can technology play a role in enhancing 21 century skills?
Can English enhance these skills?
Please send your comments. I did not send my comments as I do not want to impose my perspective.