We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Introduction to 21st Century Skills
Matthew T. Hora
Matthew T. Hora
Learn how to teach communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-motivated learning — four 21st-century skills strongly linked to student success. College educators and administrators gain a strong foundation in the theory, research, and practical applications of these crucial skills in both face-to-face and online college courses. You also examine skills frameworks, critiques of these frameworks, instructional design principles, and the science behind each of the four skills. The course features tips and strategies for teaching these skills in online courses, with a focus on instructional design, teaching, and assessment within online modalities.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/d5l3vv/introduction
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Develop a working knowledge of limitations with the dominant “soft skills” and “career readiness” discourses and the widespread emphasis on work-based learning (e.g., internships), and why they pose problems for students’ job prospects, equity, and overall success
- Develop an appreciation for how skills in the “real-world” are routinized, situation-specific sequences of action considered normal and acceptable to particular social communities – or what we call “cultural scripts” - and what this means for teaching and learning
- Understand key principles of instructional design and how to structure a course syllabus, individual lesson plan, or strategic plan to emphasize skills acquisition
- Understand the theory and research evidence supporting the value of communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-regulated learning, and different ways that cultural scripts that include these skills can be effectively taught in online or in-person settings
- Synthesize and apply your new knowledge by diagnosing and then transforming a curricular artifact of your own – whether it be an entire course syllabus or a single lesson plan – to prominently feature one or more cultural scripts in your discipline
- Develop a working knowledge of limitations with the dominant “soft skills” and “career readiness” discourses and the widespread emphasis on work-based learning (e.g., internships), and why they pose problems for students’ job prospects, equity, and overall success
- Develop an appreciation for how skills in the “real-world” are routinized, situation-specific sequences of action considered normal and acceptable to particular social communities – or what we call “cultural scripts” - and what this means for teaching and learning
- Understand key principles of instructional design and how to structure a course syllabus, individual lesson plan, or strategic plan to emphasize skills acquisition
- Understand the theory and research evidence supporting the value of communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-regulated learning, and different ways that cultural scripts that include these skills can be effectively taught in online or in-person settings
- Synthesize and apply your new knowledge by diagnosing and then transforming a curricular artifact of your own – whether it be an entire course syllabus or a single lesson plan – to prominently feature one or more cultural scripts in your discipline
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Suitable for those who want to develop skills needed for student success
Designed for instructors and administrators seeking a solid understanding of teaching 21st-century skills
Explores skills frameworks and instructional design principles that support skill acquisition
Provides practical strategies for enhancing communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-motivated learning in online and in-person settings
Provides an understanding of research evidence supporting the value of these skills in student success
Promotes the use of cultural scripts to effectively teach skills relevant to the real world
Save this course
Save Introduction to 21st Century Skills to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to 21st Century Skills with these
activities:
Review active listening techniques
Show steps
By reviewing active listening techniques beforehand, you'll be better equipped to engage effectively in discussions and group projects throughout the course.
Browse courses on
Active Listening
Show steps
-
Read an article or watch a video about active listening skills.
-
Practice active listening in a conversation with a friend or family member.
Complete communication quizzes
Show steps
Taking quizzes on communication concepts will help you reinforce your understanding and identify areas where you may need additional support.
Browse courses on
Communication
Show steps
-
Access the quizzes provided in the course materials.
-
Complete the quizzes regularly to assess your progress.
Follow tutorials on critical thinking frameworks
Show steps
Engaging with tutorials on critical thinking frameworks will provide you with practical tools and strategies to enhance your critical thinking skills.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
-
Search for tutorials on critical thinking frameworks.
-
Select reputable sources and follow the instructions provided.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Participate in peer review of self-motivated learning plans
Show steps
Collaborating with peers to review self-motivated learning plans will allow you to exchange ideas, learn from others' perspectives, and refine your own approach to self-motivated learning.
Show steps
-
Develop a draft of your self-motivated learning plan.
-
Find a peer to exchange plans with.
-
Provide constructive feedback to your peer.
-
Incorporate feedback into your own plan.
Participate in case study competitions
Show steps
Engaging in case study competitions will provide you with an immersive and challenging environment to apply the skills you learn in the course to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Communication
Show steps
-
Identify case study competitions relevant to the course topics.
-
Form a team or work independently on the case study.
-
Develop a solution and present your findings.
Mentor junior students in communication and critical thinking skills
Show steps
Mentoring junior students will provide you with an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the course concepts while supporting the development of others.
Browse courses on
Communication
Show steps
-
Connect with junior students who may benefit from your guidance.
-
Share your knowledge and skills in communication and critical thinking.
Review active listening techniques
Show steps
By reviewing active listening techniques beforehand, you'll be better equipped to engage effectively in discussions and group projects throughout the course.
Browse courses on
Active Listening
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read an article or watch a video about active listening skills.
- Practice active listening in a conversation with a friend or family member.
Complete communication quizzes
Show steps
Taking quizzes on communication concepts will help you reinforce your understanding and identify areas where you may need additional support.
Browse courses on
Communication
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Access the quizzes provided in the course materials.
- Complete the quizzes regularly to assess your progress.
Follow tutorials on critical thinking frameworks
Show steps
Engaging with tutorials on critical thinking frameworks will provide you with practical tools and strategies to enhance your critical thinking skills.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for tutorials on critical thinking frameworks.
- Select reputable sources and follow the instructions provided.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Participate in peer review of self-motivated learning plans
Show steps
Collaborating with peers to review self-motivated learning plans will allow you to exchange ideas, learn from others' perspectives, and refine your own approach to self-motivated learning.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Develop a draft of your self-motivated learning plan.
- Find a peer to exchange plans with.
- Provide constructive feedback to your peer.
- Incorporate feedback into your own plan.
Participate in case study competitions
Show steps
Engaging in case study competitions will provide you with an immersive and challenging environment to apply the skills you learn in the course to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Communication
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify case study competitions relevant to the course topics.
- Form a team or work independently on the case study.
- Develop a solution and present your findings.
Mentor junior students in communication and critical thinking skills
Show steps
Mentoring junior students will provide you with an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the course concepts while supporting the development of others.
Browse courses on
Communication
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Connect with junior students who may benefit from your guidance.
- Share your knowledge and skills in communication and critical thinking.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to 21st Century Skills will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Learning and Development Manager
Learning and Development Manager
Learning and Development Managers oversee the development of educational and training programs for employees. This course can equip future Learning and Development Managers with an understanding of instructional design and the science behind communication, teamwork, and self-regulated learning. It may also help build a foundation for advocating for more equitable professional development opportunities for members of their organizations.
Talent Development Specialist
Talent Development Specialist
Talent Development Specialists are often tasked with the development, implementation, and evaluation of training programs for employees at a company or organization. This course educates future Talent Development Specialists on how to synthesize and apply knowledge to redesign a curriculum to heavily feature proven cultural scripts like critical thinking, self-regulated learning, and communication.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers are responsible for the design and structure of courses and other educational materials. This course provides insights into how to effectively incorporate proven cultural scripts in a structured course to improve overall learning outcomes.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers develop and deliver educational experiences and materials. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the importance of communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-regulated learning in the transfer of knowledge and skill, and how to incorporate them into the design of a course or lesson plan.
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Managers oversee the development of training and educational programs for organizations and businesses. This course may be useful for gaining a grasp of the theory and research evidence supporting the value of the four skills addressed, and how to teach them.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultants work with clients to address educational issues and develop plans to improve the educational experience. This course may be useful for Educational Consultants who wish to gain insights into how to synthesize and apply new knowledge to transform curricula or specific lesson plans to emphasize skills acquisition.
Instructional Systems Designer
Instructional Systems Designer
Instructional Systems Designers create and develop educational materials and experiences. This course provides future Instructional Systems Designers with insights into how to structure a course or lesson plan to incorporate proven cultural scripts in a way that emphasizes skills acquisition.
Corporate Trainer
Corporate Trainer
Corporate Trainers are responsible for developing and implementing training programs for employees. This course helps build a foundation for understanding how to structure a course or lesson plan to incorporate proven cultural scripts in a way that emphasizes skills acquisition.
Higher Education Teacher
Higher Education Teacher
Higher Education Teachers teach and educate students in higher education institutions. This course may be useful in understanding how to teach the four skills in online or in-person settings.
K-12 Teacher
K-12 Teacher
K-12 Teachers educate students in grades kindergarten through twelve. This course may be useful in understanding how to teach the four skills in online or in-person settings.
Education Policy Analyst
Education Policy Analyst
Education Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that affect education. This course may be useful in understanding the limitations of dominant "soft skills" and "career readiness" discourses and why they pose problems for students' job prospects, equity, and overall success.
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrators oversee all facets of an institution of higher learning. This course may be useful in understanding how to synthesize and apply new knowledge to transform curricula or specific lesson plans to emphasize skills acquisition.
Social Science Researcher
Social Science Researcher
Social Science Researchers study human behavior and society. This course may be useful in developing an appreciation for how skills in the "real-world" are routinized, situation-specific sequences of action considered normal and acceptable to particular social communities.
Program Manager
Program Manager
Program Managers plan, organize, and direct projects and programs. This course may be useful in understanding the theory and research evidence supporting the value of the four skills addressed, and how to teach them.
School Counselor
School Counselor
School Counselors provide guidance and support to students in a school setting. This course may be useful in understanding how to teach the four skills in online or in-person settings.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/d5l3vv/introduction
Reading list
We've selected 17 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to 21st Century Skills.
Classic guide to investing, and it is still one of the best books on the subject. It must-read for anyone who wants to learn about investing.
Save
Explores the science of talent, and it shows how anyone can develop their talents. It fascinating book that will inspire you to reach your full potential.
Save
Must-read for anyone who wants to overcome the challenges of creative work. It is full of practical advice and inspiration.
Save
Memoir and a guide to learning. It is full of insights into the learning process, and it will inspire you to learn more about the world around you.
Save
Explores the two systems of thinking that we use: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional, and System 2, which is slow, deliberate, and rational. It fascinating book that will help you understand how you think, and it will give you the tools you need to make better decisions.
Explains why large companies often fail to innovate, and it provides a framework for how to overcome this challenge. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand innovation and how to succeed in a changing world.
Presents a new approach to starting a business, and it shows how to use continuous innovation to create a successful business. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to start a business or improve an existing one.
Memoir and a guide to building a successful business. It is full of practical advice and insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Presents a new way of thinking about innovation, and it shows how to create a successful startup. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to start a business or improve an existing one.
Provides a practical guide to learning effectively. It covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of setting goals, breaking down tasks, and using effective study strategies.
Save
Provides a research-based guide to effective learning. It covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of spacing, interleaving, and retrieval practice.
Save
Argues that grit is the key to success. It defines grit as a combination of passion and perseverance, and provides examples of how grit can help people achieve their goals.
Save
Explores the importance of having a growth mindset. It argues that people with a growth mindset believe that their intelligence can be developed through effort and hard work, while people with a fixed mindset believe that their intelligence is fixed and cannot be changed.
Provides a practical guide to personal and professional success. It covers a wide range of topics, including goal setting, time management, and interpersonal communication.
Challenges the prevailing view that extroverts are more successful than introverts. It argues that introverts have unique strengths that can be valuable in the workplace and in life.
Save
Explores the different types of motivation and how they can be used to achieve success. It argues that people are most motivated when they are working on something that is meaningful, challenging, and autonomous.
Save
Explores the science of habit formation. It provides practical advice on how to change your habits and achieve your goals.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/d5l3vv/introduction
Share
Similar courses
Here are nine courses similar to
Introduction to 21st Century Skills.
Teaching Teamwork & Communication Skills
OpenCourser.com/course/z1qdxj/teaching
Teaching Teamwork & Communication Skills
Most relevant
Instructional Design Models
OpenCourser.com/course/pzzxyt/instructional
Instructional Design Models
Most relevant
Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories
OpenCourser.com/course/s4pz0s/instructional
Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories
Instructional Design: Digital Media, New Tools and Technology
OpenCourser.com/course/53wt02/instructional
Instructional Design: Digital Media, New Tools and...
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design
OpenCourser.com/course/jac0ki/the
The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design
Global Impact: Cross-Cultural Management
OpenCourser.com/course/rp89nx/global
Global Impact: Cross-Cultural Management
Designing and Developing an Online Course
OpenCourser.com/course/zyrnx3/designing
Designing and Developing an Online Course
Instructional Design Foundations and Applications
OpenCourser.com/course/fugj09/instructional
Instructional Design Foundations and Applications
Instructional Design Course Evaluation & Capstone Project
OpenCourser.com/course/p627be/instructional
Instructional Design Course Evaluation & Capstone Project
Effort
4 to 6 hours per week for 3 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
The University of Wisconsin-Madison
Instructor
Matthew T. Hora
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Suitable for those who want to develop skills needed for student success
Designed for instructors and administrators seeking a solid understanding of teaching 21st-century skills
Explores skills frameworks and instructional design principles that support skill acquisition
Provides practical strategies for enhancing communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-motivated learning in online and in-person settings
Provides an understanding of research evidence supporting the value of these skills in student success
Promotes the use of cultural scripts to effectively teach skills relevant to the real world
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser