20th and 21st Century Skills









How do 20th century and 21st century skills differ?

Simply, if kids are learning 20th century skills the teacher is in control of teaching of a set of basic skills and foundational knowledge. The skills are contained, controlled, predictable, measurable, scalable and repeatable.

If kids are learning 21st century skills they are learning how to think critically and solve problems. It looks like kids asking more questions than they are answering. The learning is creative, messy, dynamic and reflective. The teacher is a facilitator of learning, the kids have control of their learning journey.

Do we need both?

I think kids need to learn basic skills and foundational knowledge alongside critical thinking and problem solving.   

"Taking the time to think about the balance that between constant innovation and yet the strengths of of core traditions that make us strong."

I believe some children need to spend more time on learning basic skills than others. These basic skills can be taught in a 21st Century way, using online tools to accelerate learning, make learning rewindable and accessible inside and outside of the four walls of the classroom. 

This balancing act of 20th and 21st century skills can be simply put as one word, 'Dewey'. Dewey believed that great learning happened when teachers found a balance between the kids and the content. He believed the key to finding the perfect balance was innovation and giving the kids ownership of their learning journeys. Above is a quote by John Dewey (thought there is no evidence he actually said or wrote it!).

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