The 4 C’s of 21st Century Learning

After reading about the Partnership for 21^st Century Learners (P21) and the AASL’s Standards for 21^st Century Learners, I noticed that all of the 21^st century learning systems incorporate some combination of the 4 C’s: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Creative Thinking. The problem is they are not using all 4 in most of them. All 4 of these skills are required for students to succeed in the 21^st century.

Collaboration

Students who have skills in collaboration are at a distinct advantage in the 21^st century workplace. Teamwork is a major aspect of many jobs today, both corporate and blue collar.

Critical Thinking

The children of today will be filling jobs that do not presently exist. The best way to accommodate this is to teach our students how to make inquiries and solve problems based on the answers. Problem-solving ability is one of the most important skills a person can have today.

Communication

Technology has made it possible to go to class, conduct business, and visit with family even from different countries. This makes communication skills even more important than ever before. Students need to learn how to communicate using print, broadcasts, and digital forms.

Creative Thinking

            Many careers today and in the future are dependent on creativity and innovation. Technology is the evolving at a drastic rate, and developers of technology need to create new technology based on the demands of the public.

These are just a few of the reasons that the 4 C’s are necessary for students to be prepared for the future careers they will need to fill.  I feel the standards that do not cover all 4 of these skills are neglecting a major part of the students’ education.

Finding My Independent Voice

What are your thoughts, feelings, vision, concerns, and outlook on your current profession or the one you plan to pursue? 

My goal is to teach young children the joy of reading. Reading is the most important skill children need to learn. All education requires this ability. Unfortunately, too many children are getting by without a strong foundation in the ability to read. On average, one in four children grow up illiterate (DoSomething.org, N.D.). This bothers me a great deal. I want all children to experience the joy of losing themselves in a great story.

 

 How do you plan on developing your own independent voice within your professional field?  

I am not sure what my plan for creating my own independent voice in the education field is at this time. I am still undecided in my final career, but all of my choices involve helping children become better readers. My goal is to create a love of reading in as many children as I can.

I might become a teacher and create a curriculum that allows students more freedom in their choice of material. As a student, I remember reading books that I hated, and for some children, that can turn them off of reading. I want to help children see how much fun reading can be.

I may become a librarian and create programs that encourage reading in my patrons.  I would have book clubs, book fairs, story time, and reading challenges that reward students for reading a specified amount of books. I would also have other activities such as movies and game time that encourage student to come to the library.

Becoming a reading specialist is my third option. For this, I will specialize in helping readers who have difficulties. Since this requires one-on-one lessons, I will be able to cater my lesson plans to the student. I can incorporate their interests into the lessons, making them more appealing the child.

Reference:

DoSomething.org (N.D.). 11 Facts about Literacy in America. Retrieved from: https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-literacy-america

Learning Commons Model for Libraries

         After reading about the Learning Commons model for libraries, I believe this will be very beneficial for students to succeed. I have always believed that a good library would be filled with technology that will help the students succeed in their academic goals. Now, I know that the best system is not technology-centered, but user-centered (Harland, 2011). I think the best method is one that takes the users into account to make it useful to everyone.

There are a lot of benefits to the Learning Commons model. There is modern technology that students will need to use for 21^st century learning. Collaboration is a major aspect of modern learning, so providing an area for collaboration in the library makes it easier for students to work together. Most importantly, the Learning Commons model takes the learning needs of the students into consideration when creating the work space, the materials available, the websites, and the services provided. Students can now find what they need to succeed in the 21^st Century.

The local libraries have started working on making the libraries better. They have added comfortable chairs, more tables and group areas, and made only certain areas quiet zones. The one thing they haven’t done is to ask the patrons what they want and need. To implement the Learning Commons, we need to make a questionnaire that will help us understand what the people need or want.

References:

Harland, P. C. (2011). The learning commons: Seven simple steps to transform your library. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.