The 21st century learning movement is relatively new, and continues to evolve. What are 21st century skills? How do they impact the classroom and our society? We need to keep asking good questions and work together to build a consensus. Pearson gratefully acknowledges the Partnership for 21st century skills in helping define and answer these key questions.
A: 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.
A: 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. As defined by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills Framework, 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 communication tools; 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 is proposed that the teaching of the skills identified above, be infused throughout the curriculum.
A: Every child in America needs 21st century knowledge and skills to succeed as effective citizens, workers, and leaders in the 21st century. There is a profound 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. To successfully face rigorous higher education coursework, career challenges, and a globally competitive workforce, U.S. schools must align classroom environments with real-world environments by infusing 21st century skills into their teaching and learning.
A: Educated and literate individuals are able to effectively communicate in a personal and professional manner, show personal and social responsibility, be effective time managers, use appropriate technology in given situations, and be able to apply their learning to multiple situations.
A: Twenty-first-century learning involves a great deal beyond the use of technology and digital media. Living in a digital world as we do, students certainly need to learn to use the tools that have become essential to life and work in the 21st century. However, the effective use of technology is only one element of 21st century learning. A 21st century education still requires that students master core academic subjects, but it has been proposed that the content be infused with certain defined themes and skills that are considered to be vital ingredients to success in the 21st century.
A: Yes, most definitely. Twenty-first-century skills are key to improving our nation's competitiveness in a knowledge-driven economy. Twenty first century skills are the lifeblood of a productive workforce in today's global, knowledge-based economy. As more of our economic competitors move to foster 21st century skills development within their educational systems, the United States faces a critical challenge to keep pace in preparing our students to meet the demands of a global community and tomorrow's workforce. How can we address this global challenge? This cannot be accomplished without establishing stronger partnerships between educators, administrators, policy makers, and the business community, all of whom must work collectively to better prepare our students for the realities of the 21st century.
A: There are a number of ways to incorporate 21st century learning in the classroom. To observe classroom teachers and students engaged in 21st century learning first hand, visit the “In Practice” section of this Web site. ”In Practice” features videos showing teachers and students working in school environments that foster 21st century learning through project-based instruction. For more formal teacher training on how to incorporate 21st century learning in the classroom, visit the “Professional Development” area of this site. Pearson's 21st century training—onsite courses, webinars, and publications—is posted here.
A: The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has emerged as the leading advocacy organization focused on infusing 21st century skills into education. The organization brings together the business community, education leaders, and policy makers to define a powerful vision for 21st century education and to ensure that students emerge from our schools with the skills needed to be effective citizens, workers, and leaders in the 21st century. Pearson's commitment to the organization is highlighted this year as Kathy Hurley, Sr. Vice President, Strategic Partnerships for Pearson School Companies is installed as the chair of P21.
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