“The only skill that will be important in the 21st century is the skill of learning new skills. Everything else will become obsolete over time.” Peter Drucker
21st Century Skills
By: Brian Caldwell
Communication and Collaboration
Students will need to communicate effectively with each other as a group and create clear communication channels to complete tasks. Collaboration will be an essential element of our project-based learning. We want the students to work well together, divide tasks accordingly, and complement each other’s skill-set to achieve goals. Collaboration will be essential during musical and drama elements of our project. Students will work together in small groups, brainstorm ideas, engage in group discussions and presentations and communicate the most effective ways of solving problems.
Critical Thinking skills/Problem-solving
To address the complex issue of ‘ how our environment shapes who we are’ will require deep critical thinking skills to research relevant information, separate fact from function, avoid cultural stereotypes and come up with original ideas and answers. Problems occur in every project, and especially when researching such a thought-provoking question. The students must endeavor to solve problems as they arise and not let them affect the group dynamics or the ability to meet aims and objectives.
Creativity
Students will use their creativity to address the complex issue of how our environment shape who we are and successfully integrate STEAM components with language and arts based tasks. Creativity can come in the form of the tasks created, thinking outside the box, or how information is presented. There will be great scope for creativity with the musical and art element of the project.
Information Literacy
Students will be able to access information from a variety of reliable sources, displaying good digital citizenship skills. Students must research, analyze information effectively and produce effective recommendations based on the information gathered. It is important students are able to evaluate information effectively and establish facts from fiction.
Technology Literacy
Students will have access to a wide range of technology to research, analyse and present information. Students will develop skills in integrating technology to enhance the projects at all levels.
Media Literacy
The students will use the media responsibly and see how the media impacts different cultural views and behaviors.
Social and Cross-Cultural skills
Students will learn to appreciate sociocultural differences across the world and within the group, and how these differences impacts peoples views and opinions. Group members will learn to be respectful of different viewpoints and cultural norms. Students will use these differences to create new, innovative and diverse ideas drawing on multicultural views. The students will see this diversity as a positive aspect rather than an obstacle to learning.
Global awareness
Students will have the opportunity to research and analyze different cultural perspectives and how this affects us in a global context.
Productivity and Accountability
We aim to create a group oriented team culture where everyone is accountable towards the projects' success. Students will learn to work productively for the betterment of the group. Students will create and meet aims and objectives, set deadlines for group submissions and assign different role and responsibilities. Group members will learn that every role is important and are interdependent. Students must show a willingness to put the group before the individual and show responsibility to complete tasks, delegate, manage time and be accountable to others for aims and objectives to be met.
Leadership and Responsibility
Some students will take on leadership roles, which will be essential in driving the project forward and motivating the group. Managing time and resources and setting a positive example will be key for the success of the project. Displaying interpersonal skills and reminding group members of their responsibilities to the group will have a big impact on the project. Leaders will identify group member's different strengths and oversee that tasks are being delegated fairly and completed on time.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Group members must be flexible to work effectively to come up with answers to such a multifaceted question, which could encompass various different challenges and tasks. The students should be able to adapt positively to sudden changes in the direction of the project and adapt to changes in roles and responsibilities.
Initiative and Self-Direction
Students will show initiative when inquiring about wide-ranging issues. The issue of our environment shaping who we are is complex, with lots of different theories, opinions and factors to consider. Students must show initiative and self direction to address such a wide-ranging line of inquiry and come up with a variety of tasks across different subjects.