Skills Needed in the 21st Century

by Peter Vaisanen 

Introduction 

In the 21st Century, teachers are needing to adapt their teaching styles from traditional styles of teaching such as teacher directed, teacher is the expert, wrote learning to more of a 21st Century style that is more collaborative, student centered, and the teacher acts more as a facilitator (“15 Characteristics of a 21st-Century Teacher,” n.d.). Students in the 21st Century are learning differently and teachers are needing to adapt their ways of teaching. The following document about the P21 Model Framework suggests that “the skills, knowledge and expertise students must master to succeed in work and life; is a blend of content knowledge, specific skills, expertise and literacies” (Battelle for Kids, n.d.). Below we will analyze the P21 Framework and see what it suggests educators should implement in to their practice to ensure student student success for when they graduate school.

The P21 Framework says:

The P21 Framework outlines the knowledge, skills and expertise students should master to succeed in work and life in the 21st century.

The Core Subjects include:

• English or reading or language arts

• World languages

• Arts

• Mathematics

• Economics

• Science

• Geography

• History

• Government and Civics

The P21 Framework also believes that not only are the core subjects essential to a students learning but to help students understand the content at higher levels schools and their educators should integrate the following (Battelle for Kids, n.d.)

21st Century Interdisciplinary themes:

• Global Awareness

• Financial, Economic, Business and Entrepreneurial Literacy 

• Civic Literacy 

• Health Literacy 

• Environmental Literacy

The P21 Framework also highlights the Learning and Innovation Skills students will need to be successful in their lives and work environments. The following skills are what they recommend educators should help students develop: 

Learning and Innovation Skills 

• Creativity 

• Critical Thinking 

• Communication 

• Collaboration 

Conclusion 

After looking at the P21 Framework, teachers should consider adopting a style of teaching that allows students to develop their creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills through learner centered environments. Additionally, teachers should consider thinking about integrating the 21st Century Interdisciplinary themes in to the core subjects that the framework outlines. This will enhance the chances of a student to be successful in their personal and work environments as an adult. 

References

Battelle for Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2019, from http://www.battelleforkids.org/networks/p21

15 Characteristics of a 21st-Century Teacher. (n.d.). Retrieved July 9, 2019, from Edutopia website: https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/15-characteristics-21st-century-teacher