7 Skills students need for their future

Summary

The speaker discusses the crisis in education, emphasizing the need for new skills in a rapidly changing economy. They highlight seven survival skills essential for success: critical thinking, collaboration, agility, initiative, communication, information analysis, and curiosity. The talk critiques current educational practices, particularly test-focused teaching, and calls for a reimagining of education to better prepare students for the future.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The key to education is not just providing answers but also formulating the right questions.
• 📈 There's a shift from manual labor to a knowledge-based economy, necessitating new skills for success.
• 🛠️ The 'rock' represents the need for skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, agility, initiative, communication, and curiosity.
• 🌐 The 'hard place' is the challenge of motivating a new generation with different learning motivations and attitudes.
• 🏫 The current education system is overly focused on test preparation rather than teaching essential life skills.
• 📉 There's a discrepancy between the skills students are learning and the skills required for future careers and active citizenship.
• 🔍 Employers and educators alike are concerned about the inability of young people to communicate effectively.
• 📚 The internet has changed how the current generation learns and engages with information.
• 👥 Collaboration and teamwork are now often virtual and global, requiring new skills for success.
• 🔑 Accountability in education should focus on whether students are career, college, and citizenship ready, not just test scores.

Q & A

What is the main issue the speaker identifies with the current education system?

The speaker identifies that the current education system is not adequately preparing students with the skills needed for success in the modern economy and active citizenship. It focuses too much on teaching to standardized tests rather than fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and other essential skills.

What does the speaker refer to as 'answer itis'?

'Answer itis' is a term coined by the speaker to describe the affliction in education where there are often answers provided to questions that have not been adequately explored or understood.

What is the 'rock and a hard place' dilemma mentioned in the script?

The 'rock and a hard place' dilemma refers to the challenging situation in education where the economy demands skilled workers for jobs that offer more than minimum wage, but the current educational system is not effectively teaching or assessing the necessary skills for these careers.

What are the seven survival skills the speaker mentions?

The seven survival skills mentioned are: 1) Critical thinking and problem-solving, 2) Collaboration across networks and leading by influence, 3) Agility and adaptability, 4) Initiative and entrepreneurialism, 5) Effective oral and written communication, 6) Accessing and analyzing information, and 7) Curiosity and imagination.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving?

The speaker emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving because these skills are essential for success in an economy where jobs require continuous improvement and innovation. They are necessary for students to be competitive and engaged in their work.

What does the speaker suggest is the key to motivating the current generation of learners?

The speaker suggests that reframing the educational problem and reimagining education for the 21st century is key to motivating the current generation. This includes focusing on skills that are relevant to their future success and providing an education that is engaging and meaningful to them.

How does the speaker describe the current generation's motivation to learn?

The speaker describes the current generation as differently motivated, growing up tethered to the internet, and valuing self-directed learning, collaboration, and making a difference. They are less tolerant of rote learning and more engaged when they can see the relevance and application of what they are learning.

What does the speaker argue about the role of testing in education?

The speaker argues that while accountability through testing is important, the current reliance on standardized, computer-scored multiple-choice tests is insufficient for assessing the skills students need for success. They advocate for tests that measure critical thinking, problem-solving, and other essential competencies.

What is the 'Global Achievement Gap' the speaker refers to?

The 'Global Achievement Gap' is the disparity between what students are taught and tested on in school and the skills they actually need to succeed in the workforce and as informed citizens. This gap highlights the inadequacy of current educational practices in preparing students for real-world challenges.

What does the speaker propose as the three cornerstones for improving education?

The three cornerstones proposed by the speaker for improving education are: 1) Accountability for what matters most, such as ensuring students graduate career and college ready, 2) Teaching the skills that matter most using content to develop core competencies, and 3) Doing the new work in new ways, which involves more collaboration among educators and a shift from isolated teaching practices.