21st Century Skills What are they and why do we need them?

What are they?



The Partnership for 21st Century Skills - Our Mission

There is a profound gap between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need in typical 21st century communities and workplaces.



To successfully face rigorous higher education coursework, career challenges and a globally competitive workforce, U.S. schools must align classroom environments with real world environments by infusing 21st century skills.





This skills set includes:





* Information and communication skills (information and media literacy skills; communication skills)



* Thinking and problem-solving (critical thinking and systems thinking; problem identification, formulation and solution; creativity and intellectual curiosity)



* Interpersonal and self-direction skills (interpersonal and collaborative skills; self-direction; accountability and adaptability; social responsibility)



* Global awareness



* Financial, economic and business literacy, and developing entrepreneurial skills to enhance workplace productivity and career options



* Civic literacy

Why Do we need them?



Perhaps the most comprehensive and readable treatise on why we need them is Thomas Friedmans's book The World is Flat. There is a wikipedia summary here