As technology continues to drive the work environment, more emphasis is being place on incorporating 21st-century skills in the classrooms to adequately prepare students for the jobs of the future. However, a closer look at our classrooms today reveal that there is a wide disconnect between the technology available in the classroom and what students are expected to use in the workplace. To try to bridge this gap one organization came into existence – the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. This week I visited and spent some time exploring this website and provide the following review.
Partnership for 21st-Century Skills or P21 is a public-private organization that consists of leaders in the education and business sectors who came together in 2002 to create a model of learning for the millennium and help schools address the educational needs of the 21st century (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, (n. d.)). The website is very user friendly and is without distracting advertisements. The site has a wealth of resources and information to assist educators to embark on implementing not only the 3Rs but the 4Cs – (Critical thinking and problem-solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity and Innovation) in the classrooms.
Educators can find a great wealth of resources on the site as well as interesting articles on the P21 blog page. Each month two (2) prominent educators respond to questions about 21st century skills, policy and best practices. The site also provides resources for parents and the communities. Not only does the site provide these resources and information, they also provide speakers for speaking engagements, workshops, and seminars which are helpful for those educators who wish to infuse 21st century skills in their schools/classrooms.
With the wealth of information available on the P21 website, I will be better able to incorporate the 4Cs as well as more project based activities in planning my lessons and integrates knowledge and skills which would help to prepare my students to function in the 21st century workplace. I will be a better advocate for the implementation of 21st century skills in my school as well as become influential in getting my coworkers and administrators on board.
It is a great challenge for schools to embrace 21st century skills in face of economic challenges, however, the need for these skills in the workplace will continue to increase due to the “acceleration of technology, rapidly accumulating knowledge, and increase global competition” (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, (n. d.)). I have no doubt in recommending the Partnership for 21st Century Skills website to educators, administrators, parents, and community leaders seeking knowledge and understanding on the 21st century skills for the work environment.
References
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n. d.). A report and mile guide for 21st century skills. Washington DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/images/stories/otherdocs/p21up_Report.pdf
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (2011). The partnership for 21st century skills. [Website]. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/.
Hi Leonie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your review of the P21 website. Did you find anything on the site that you disagreed with? What was your favorite resource on the site?
While my favorite resource was probably the 21st Century Math Skills Map, I really enjoyed reading some of the blog posts. In particular, I appreciated seeing the post by Stephan Turnipseed, President of LEGO Education, titled "Creativity in STEM." Creativity is critical to progress and to the success of our students in the global marketplace. I'm glad that this organization is promoting it!
Jeremy
Hi Jeremy,
DeleteThanks for your comment on my review of the P21 website. I must say that during my perused of the site, I did not come across an article that I disagreed with. However, I know that given more time I would more than likely find one.
I like the fact that P21 partnered with FableVision and developed and created the animated film Above & Beyond, which demonstrated the power of the 4Cs. I also enjoyed reading the blog post titled “New Thinking for New Schools for the 21st Century: What Will it Take?” In the article Steve Zipkes talked about the 3Rs – Relationships, Relevance, and Rigor. He stated that when teachers build relationships with students, they will know teachers care and will do anything. With relevance there will be intrinsic motivation and interest from the students. Once these are established then teachers can push for Rigor in the classroom. I so agree with this.
Reference
Zipkes, S. (n. d.). New Thinking for New Schools for the 21st Century: What Will it Take?. [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/tools-and-resources/p21blog/1053-zipkes-blog
Leonie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and found one statement you made, in particular, to bring up an interesting side to the topic of incorporating 21st century skills into your classroom curriculum. You explained that, through your use of the P21 website, you will “become influential in getting your coworkers and administrators on board” (Green, 2012). How often do we hear about a new educational idea, and perhaps even see a presentation on it, but feel nervous to try the method out in our own classroom? I know that I am usually more likely to attempt implementation of something in my classroom when I have another colleague which with to discuss it. The comfort level increases tremendously when an individual knows that someone else has already experienced the process and can provide feedback. You will become a resource to your coworkers, and the success you meet in your classroom will act as inspiration to others. I agree that, by you modeling the implementation of 21st century skills in your classroom, you will influence your colleagues and likely even encourage them to try it out in their rooms, too.
Sincerely,
Liza Narducci
Liza,
DeleteI agree with your comment and have experience just that at my school. I learnt about Google docs as a collaborative tool and began using it in my classroom. After my initial use of the tool I informed and demonstrated the use of Google docs to my colleagues who have begun their own use of it in their classroom and from time to time seek me out to help with any issues they may encounter. Sometimes, my students will inform them about things I am doing in my class and they will seek me out to learn about them, so they too can use the tools in their classroom.
~Leonie