21st Century Skills

Thursday, March 4, 2010

There is a buzz going around about the importance of gaining 21st century skills. Initiatives have popped up in efforts to provide a framework for 21st century skill learning.
Some states, like Arizona, Nevada and West Virginia among others, have teamed up to create the Partnership for 21st Century Skills.

But what exactly are 21st century skills?
Well, according to the Partnership, 21st Century skills ensure that learners receive:

• "21st Century Content (Global Awareness, Financial, Economic and Business Literacy and Civic Literacy), 
• Learning Skills (Information and Communication Skills, Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills, and Interpersonal & Self-Directional Skills), and  
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy. 

These key elements of 21st century learning are critical for every child’s success as a worker and citizen in the 21st century." 
- Taken from the Partnership's ASSESSMENT OF 21ST CENTURY SKILLS:
THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE  Pre-Publication Draft dated JUNE 2005.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services' mission to "create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas" aligns with the 21st century skill initiatives. So they have created a 40 page booklet outlining research and methods for implementing learning opportunities in libraries and museums. I recommend having a look at this booklet. It outlines clearly and with detailed examples ways in which a library or museum can assess it's programs in light of 21st century skill learning.