Capacities

Capacities needed by today’s learners

There are different views on capacities required by modern learners. Consider one or more of the viewpoints below. They will allow you to explore capacities in more depth as additional readings if you wish.

Researchers have compiled a range of lists of “21st Century learning skills”. While lists vary, most contain common elements. One such list is this contemporary view of 21st Century skills presented by Dr Tony Wagner, author of Change Leadership: Transforming Education for the 21st Century¹. Click play to start.

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Text version (.pdf 331kB)

21st Century skills are articulated by Dr Paul Brock in this video.

Dr. Paul Brock
Director, Learning & Development Research
NSW Department of Education and Communities

The Partnership for 21st Century skills provides another view of the capacities required in the 21st Century.

³	21st Century Skills Framework³ (.pdf 134kB)

Note: the major points in this paper begin at page 7 and are prefaced by roman numerals (I, II, III and IV).

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Cisco Systems provides a global perspective on the importance of equipping learners for the 21st Century.

⁵	Equipping Every Learner for the 21st Century⁶ (.pdf 1.73MB)

Consider the capacities you most want to develop in the children and young people you teach and why.

Complete this interactive PDF (.pdf 112kB).

Presenter notes

Indicative time: 15 minutes

What is this tab about?

This tab contains different perspectives about the capacities required by today’s learners. The first two viewpoints present a brief overview. The third and fourth are more detailed and provide the opportunity for further exploration if required by participants. The activity can be completed by engaging with viewpoints one and two only.

The major points in the Partnership for 21st Century skills paper (“Viewpoint 3”) are prefaced by I, II, III and IV from page 7 making navigation easier. You may skim through, looking for the main headings or engage with this valuable paper in more depth at a later time.

Delivery

Watch and listen to “Viewpoint 1” by Tony Wagner.
Watch Dr Paul Brock talk about 21st Century skills.
Draw attention to the articles in “Viewpoint 3” and “Viewpoint 4” and explain that these readings may be explored at a later time, as an extension activity.

Completing activity 4: Capacities needed by today’s learners

While this may be done individually, the discussion will be richer as a collaborative activity.

As an extension activity, participants may like to survey students about their viewpoint on the capacities required by today’s learners.

Capacities

Capacities needed by today’s learners

What is this tab about?

Delivery

Completing activity 4: Capacities needed by today’s learners

Links