Skills for the 21 st Century

1. Skills for the 21st Century What skills will our students need in order to be successful in the 21st century?

2. Solution Fluency “The ability to think creatively to solve problems in real time by clearly defining the problem, designing an appropriate solution, applying the solution, and then evaluating the process and the outcome.” • Examples – incorporating 6D problem solving into the curriculum, using the scientific method to solve problems and answer scientific problems, creating a thesis and project for National History Day

3. Creativity Fluency “.The process by which artistic proficiency adds meaning through design, art, and storytelling.” • Examples – having students create interactive posters on Glogster illustrating the Rock Cycle, providing students with the opportunity to participate in the IFAW Animal Action art contest, creating interdisciplinary units that provide students with the chance to write creative stories about scientific observations

4. Collaboration Fluency “Teamworking proficiency that has reached the unconscious ability to work cooperatively with virtual and real partners in an online environment to create original digital products.” • Examples – provide opportunities for students to work in small groups to develop ideas, have students complete laboratory activities in groups, facilitate times when students can collaborate via Skype, Today’s Meet, etcetera with students in other communities

5. Media Fluency “The ability to look analytically at any communication media to interpret the real message, determine how the chosen media is being used to shape thinking, and evaluate the efficacy of the message, and second, the ability to create and publish original digital products, matching the media to the to the intended message by determining the most appropriate and effective media for that message.” • Examples – encourage students to evaluate the source of information to determine its accuracy and value, use information researched to develop and create a product for National History Day

6. Information Fluency “The ability to access digital information sources to retrieve desired information…, and effectively assess the information that is retrieved from searches or the content of messages being received.” • Examples - incorporating the 5 A’s of interpreting information into curriculum, researching for a National History Day project, provide media training to teach students how to evaluate resources

7. Digital Citizenship “Using the guiding principles of leadership, ethics, accountability, fiscal responsibility, environmental awareness, global citizenship, and personal responsibility.” • Examples – Encourage community service within the school and community, hold students accountable for their actions both in and out f the classroom