What are 21st Century Skills? | Introduction to 21st Century Skills

Introduction to 21st Century Skills

The term 21^st century skills refer to a broad set of knowledge, skills, work habits, and character traits that are believed- by educators, school reformers, college professors, employers, and others- to be critically important to success in today’s world.

21^st century skills enable an individual to face the challenges of the 21^st century world that is globally active, digitally transforming, collaboratively moving forward, creatively progressing, seeking competent human-resource, and quick in adapting to changes.

The ground of 21^st century skills is common skills and competencies that are generally considered. The main emphasis of these skills is effective and deeper learning. It tries to eliminate traditional learning methodology that involves learning by rote and cramming of information for the sake of grades only. 

21^st century skills enhance skills like:

• Working with others
• Analyzing situation critically
• Presenting yourself confidently
• Evolve deeper learning habit
• Sharing of practical knowledge etc.

Why they are known as 21^st century skills?

Since the beginning of life on earth, understanding the skills to survive is essential. Survival of the fittest itself tells us the importance of “Life Skills”. Over the last 25 years, several institutions and international organizations have proposed frameworks and outlined competencies needed to address 21^st century challenges.

Why we need 21^st Century Skills?

The Delors Report (1996) proposed one of the first frameworks of 21^st century skills to identify competencies needed in the coming century. The Delors Report also formulated 4 principles identified as the 4 Pillar of Education: Learning to Know, Learning to Do, Learning to be, and Learning to Live Together.

Wagner (2010) and the change leadership group at Harvard University identified another set of competencies and skills. After hundred of interviews with business, non-profit and education leaders, Wanger stressed that students need seven survival skills to be prepared for 21^st century life survival. These skills are:

• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Collaboration and leadership
• Agility and adaptability
• Initiative and entrepreneurialism
• Effective oral and written communication
• Accessing and analyzing information
• Curiosity and imagination.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has also identified the need for 21^st century skills among youth. This framework is based on the assertion that 21^st century challenges will demand a broad skill set emphasizing core subject skills, social and cross-cultural skills, proficiency in languages other than English, and understanding of the economic and political forces that affect societies.

Partnership for 21^st Century Skills (P21), a coalition of business leaders and educators proposed a framework for 21^st century learning, identified essential competencies and skills vital for success in 21^st century work and life.

What skills are included in 21^st Century Skills? And Why?

As western economies have transformed from industrial-based to service-based, mastery in particular hard skills with a focus on digital literacy, are in increasingly high demand.

People skills that involve interaction, collaboration, and managing others are increasingly important. 21st century skills are also referred to as “Applied Skills”, “Soft Skills” or “Life Skills”.

The skills have been grouped into 3 main areas:

Learning and Innovation Skills: Critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration, creativity and innovation.

Digital Literacy Skills: Information literacy, media literacy, information and communication technologies (ITC) literacy.

Career and Life Skills: Flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-direction, social and cross-cultural interaction, productivity and accountability.

It is high time that our educational institutions, faculties, and students understand the importance of 21^st century skills at an early age and include them in the curriculum. Until our youth is not flexible and adaptable to handle different situations critically and creatively; we can't ensure a better future in terms of employability for our upcoming generation.