The methods of educational study used in the past no longer make sense in the 21st century workplace. More than ever, students need to learn how to make use of information, not just how to learn it. Schools are failing students by failing to teach them how to respond to rapid change and handle new information. The 21st century workplace is constantly changing, and schools must keep up. This means transforming how we educate our children and preparing them to succeed in it.

Student-centered learning
Various educational models and practices have sprung up around the concept of student-centered learning. This model advocates collaboration between the student and teacher and emphasizes the importance of student choice. It embraces the philosophy of active learning. It is a powerful educational strategy that has proven to be beneficial to learners and teachers alike. But how do we implement this model?

Real-world problem solving
The study of real-world problem solving has a multitude of benefits. It can help students develop the skills they will need to thrive in a fast-paced, information-rich world. This skill develops student inquiry, collaboration, self-regulation, and critical thinking. It can also increase students’ interest in STEM careers. This article discusses how educators can effectively use this skill to help students achieve their goals.

Collaboration
Collaboration is a critical skill for 21st century students. It can be difficult to measure, but a clear definition can help educators teach collaborative skills. Collaborative activities are characterized by three major aspects: the process of working with others, the output of the joint activity, and the nature of collaboration. Students work interdependently with others to complete projects, and the process of collaboration requires communication skills, metacognition, and self-direction.

Interdisciplinary themes
One driver for the re-conception of IC in the 21st century is the global problems that require transdisciplinary solutions. We cannot solve such problems in a traditional manner, as we do today, with our narrow knowledge base. A global coronavirus pandemic is one such example. The consequences of the virus are complex and the solution is transdisciplinary. Thus, students need interdisciplinary experiences and exposure to transdisciplinary problem-solving.

Personalized instruction
The Gates Foundation and Chan Zuckerberg Initiative are investing hundreds of millions of dollars per year in personalized learning and have drawn teacher protests in some states. While the term “personalization” is somewhat ambiguous, it is usually described as “software that allows students to progress through a predetermined body of knowledge” in a more tailored way. But how do these efforts work in practice? How do these innovations affect schools and students?

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