Continuous Improvement and the 21st Century Skills
"One key competency that employers across-the-board value in employees is the ability to think creatively and logically in order to solve problems. Such employees are most likely to be promoted in an unforgiving global economy that requires flexibility and an ability to think, speak, and write logically, to solve problems, and to synthedize information."
— The American Diplomacy Project
One thing is certain, the students we teach today are much different than they were 5, 10 and 20 years ago. Today's "Millenials" will need a different set of skills to be successful in tomorow's flat world. The "21st Century Skills" (see graphic below) outline key requirements needed by the next generation of workers.
In a previous blog, I wrote about "developing world class learners and responsible citizens".
As eductors, we have a responsibility to prepare these learners to be successful in the world in which students will find themselves. Our focus in education needs to be on skills such as:
-presentation skills
-problem solving skills
-working in teams
-processing data and information
This focus on 21st Century skills is a break from tradition, a paradigm shift and requires us to enter the swamp of change. As educational leaders in our classrooms, schools and districts- we need to embrace the 21st Century Skills and begin the paradigm shift now! Implementing continuous improvement in our educational systems can provide students the necessary skills which future employers will find most valuable. By arming students with an understanding of systems thinking, process improvement and quality tools- they will be well-prepared and marketable in tomorrow's economy.
How are you preparing 21st Century students? What changes are necessary in your system? Have you made the paradigm shift yet? Are you preparing students to be successful in tomorrow's world?
Learn more about the 21st century skills online:
Comments
Jay,
Must compliment you for this input on the blog.
The current century demands that continual improvement is carried out with unprecedented skills and lots of creativity.
The readers of the blog will be highly indebted for such inputs.
priyavrat thareja
Posted by: Priyavrat Thareja | November 1, 2006 01:06 AM
I would echo Priyarat's comment above with one caviat. Zooming in on the communication quadrant would enable our children to grow in each of the other quadrants. Your blog and continued writings, presentations, seminars, etc. have greater power and possibility for world wide affect than a year in a traditional school setting could ever hope to have (in today's schools). As you have suggested though, we should consider that change in each of the quadrants would guide our children towards a more successful tomorrow. My change to your graphic would include a slightly larger piece of the pie for communication or perhaps a concentric circle with communication on the outermost perimeter and the other areas comprising the inner circle.
Enjoy the day! I am inspired by your work.
Regards,
Joe
Posted by: joe bruzzese | November 1, 2006 08:14 AM
Joe and Priyarat,
I appreciate your kind words and encouragement. I've enjoyed your consistent feedback and comments. Your insight has greatly contributed to the content of the blog and I hope to have your continued involvement.
Jay
Posted by: Jay Marino | November 1, 2006 09:38 AM