21st Century Skills

From May 2010 archived blog

by Mickey Wircenski

At a recent conference a new book was highlighted. This book is one that all CTE personnel should review to see whether they want to add it to their professional library.  The book is:

21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times
Bernie Trilling & Charles Fadel 2009
San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
ISBN 978-0-470-47538-6

The authors have provided a bold framework for designing a 21st century approach to education, an approach aimed at preparing all of our children to successfully meet the challenges of the future world. The fact that the world has undergone foundational shifts in recent decades is emphasized: widespread advances in technology and communications, booming economic developments and increased competition.

This resource introduces a framework for 21st century learning that maps out the skills needed to survive and thrive in a complex and connected world. A 21st century education includes knowledge of traditional core subjects such as reading, writing, and math, but also emphasizes contemporary themes such as global awareness and financial/economic, health and environmental literacies.

The 21st century skills described in the book include:

LEARNING AND INNOVATION SKILLS:

• Creativity and Innovation
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Communication and Collaboration

DIGITAL LITERACY SKILLS:

• Information Literacy
• Media Literacy
• ICT Literacy

CAREER AND LIFE SKILLS:

• Flexibility and  Adaptability
• Initiative and Self-Direction
• Social and Cross-Cultural Skills
• Productivity and Accountability
• Leadership and Responsibility

Included in the book are classroom vignettes, school samples and  global examples.  A DVD is also included that provides examples of innovative practices that can be incorporated into curricula.  This is a helpful guide for all CTE teachers.