Week SIX

Task 1:

21st Century Skills...Fad or Key? The movement on how to prepare today's youth for tomorrow's world  has become a source for debate. Do we as educators continue the school routine that has been "working" for years, or do we try to take a leap and change our approach? I believe that providing students with 21st Century Skills is one of the best things that we can give them for their journey from school to the work force.
Having the ability to problem solve, critically think, and effectively communicate are skills that set the great apart from the good. The article "The Workplace Readiness Crisis" addresses several issues that recent graduate face when entering the job market. While in school, students are under the notion that getting good grades and passing exams will land them their dream job. Where on a test have they learned how to have the charisma and quick thinking to turn around a bad conference call, or the creativity to tap an unusual source for assistance? Recent graduates are in for a rude awakening when they find out that they do not have these necessary skills. I am currently a part of the working world and frequently interview candidates. Some of the things I find myself looking for during an interview are: do they have personality?, will this person work well with others?, how would they respond to a problem? and are they willing to learn? These things I look for are all 21st century skills (i.e. innovation, collaboration and communication). As the article "21st Century Skills - Will our Students Be Prepared?" states "the illiterate of the 21st Century will be those that cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn". It is all about the willingness to adapt.
Supporters of the 21st Century Skills do not discount the importance of knowledge. They believe that knowledge and 21st Century Skills should work hand in hand. I agree with authors in the  "21st Century Skills - Will our Students Be Prepared?" and "The Value of Teaching 21st Century Skills" when they say that effectively teaching requires "blending" knowledge and skills and that "when taught concurrently, one reinforces the other". Students must have the required knowledge to back up their innovations and problem solving skills. Those that are critics of integrating 21st Century Skills seem to believe that educators are only interested in the skills, not the combination of skills and knowledge. While I agree with some of the critics that there are still some flaws to the system, continuing to explore and evaluate its potential will only improve its effectiveness.

Task 2:

I liked this video by Ken Robinson. I thought it was comical as well as informative. Like Ken, I think that creativity should play a big part in the way that we educate. Encouraging students to be creative lets them take the lead. Students can paint their own picture of God or act out a character in a play however they wish. With the right amount of guidance and input from the teacher, students will learn through these creative experiences. Students might feel like making a mistake is the worst thing that they can do, so educators must encourage and critique students in a way that they still feel free to express themselves.
I do feel that there is room in schools for other outlets such as art, music and sports. I think that schools must focus on both the traditional subjects (i.e. math, science, and language) as well other disciplines. I do not agree with Robinson when he says that degrees are not worth anything anymore. I think that is it still very important to have a basic and deep knowledge about your subject of choice. Not everyone will grow up to be an accomplished recording artist or star baseball player. However having the skills and creativity associated with these specialties can enhance your typical subjects. Someone who studies fiance or economics and also plays baseball might be great at providing money management skills for athletes. They understand both the money and talent side. The same goes for recording artists and other performers.
At my high school I had many opportunities to  engage in creative activities. There were many art and music classes available and students were encouraged to play on sports teams. I went to a small school where there was little competition for spots in these classrooms and teams. Anyone was able to try anything regardless of skill level. I think that it is not just the job of schools to push students toward creative outlets, but also the parents.
Having experience and background in a variety of skills also makes you a more marketable candidate for a job. In today's economy landing a job is not easy. Job seekers need the degree and skills you might gain from other creative outlets. Sports encourage team work and collaboration which are important skills to have in the working world. Sometimes it also helps if you can hold your own at the company golf tournament.