We often hear of 21st-century skills. To put it succinctly, the ability to think critically, collaborate and communicate meaningfully has become the cornerstones of this century. Going forward these are the skills that will allow future generations to stay on top of their game. Learning them early in life is therefore non-negotiable and this is why!
In a world that is fast-paced and constantly changing, technology-driven and complex, the traditional knowledge corpus we knew all along has to adapt to remain relevant. The focus is now on how students think, how they work, how they use and adapt to tools like technology to live wholesome global lifestyles. What then are these skills?
Today, AI can write code, content and create complex designs. This makes the earlier learning methods of rote learning and memorisation redundant unless one learns to adapt quickly. Students following the traditional education model struggle to truly imbibe the 21st-century skills.
This is where the paradigm shift with 21st-century skills in education is a necessary evolution for future success.
The future is rife with jobs that do not yet exist! It is these skills that this new growth mindset will hone, to allow students to be confident and successful going forward.
Fake news has the audacity to tell you what to think and it is everywhere today. In this age of manipulative use of technology, students need to learn how to think and separate the wheat from the chaff. That is possible only when they have been taught from an early age the power in critical thinking, asking questions and not being afraid to stand apart in their beliefs; all without being disruptive.
Being mindful in life is a crucial life skill that students need to adapt to early in life and that includes the use of technology. This is a core component of the new 21st-century curriculum.
Global awareness is mission-critical and cross-cultural communication is non-negotiable for future generations. Knowing how to straddle this fine balance is a skill that needs to be taught early.
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Students learn what the teachers teach, which is engraved in stone. It is therefore crucial for both to be empowered to adapt to the demands of the 21st century.
Read More: How STEM Prepares Students for Future Careers
Going forward, it is their relevance that makes 21st-century skills crucial. Adopting this learning format is not about overhauling anything. It is how everything is taught! Curriculums must evolve. Classrooms must transform. Mindsets must shift.
At the Premia Academy, we make a concerted effort to move beyond checking off academic boxes and strive daily to build a school that sparks curiosity, mentors creativity and fosters courage. At every step.
It is only when all schools make this change in mindset can the education system worldwide truly bring forth future world citizens. The onus is on us to make the world a better place.
