We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Introduction to 21st Century Skills

Matthew T. Hora

4.5

Based on 22 ratings

, see reviews

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.

Enroll now

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

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

21st century skills for educators

According to students, this course offers an excellent foundation in 21st-century skills for educators, particularly focusing on communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-regulated learning. Learners consistently praise its practical application of instructional design principles and the relevance to both online and in-person teaching environments. The course is highlighted for its thought-provoking content and ability to transform existing curricular artifacts. While largely positive, a few learners noted that it serves best as an introductory overview.

Encourages a new perspective on teaching and student success.

"This course challenged my existing ideas about teaching and provided a framework for improving student success."

"It was truly thought-provoking; I'm already rethinking how I approach my curriculum."

"I feel better equipped to foster communication and critical thinking in my students after taking this course."

Highly applicable to current teaching challenges and modalities.

"The course's relevance to both online and in-person settings is a major strength, making it versatile for any educator."

"Understanding 'cultural scripts' provided a fresh perspective on how skills are truly applied in the 'real-world.'"

"It directly addresses the limitations of traditional 'soft skills' discourse, offering a more nuanced and effective approach."

Emphasis on actionable strategies for course design.

"The focus on instructional design principles was incredibly useful, providing clear ways to structure my lessons."

"I particularly valued the tips and strategies for teaching these skills effectively in online courses."

"This course helped me transform my course syllabus to better emphasize skill acquisition, a truly practical outcome."

Provides a comprehensive overview of key 21st-century skills.

"This course offers an excellent foundation in the four key 21st-century skills, highly relevant for today's educational landscape."

"I found the content to be very thorough and well-researched, giving me a solid understanding of the theory behind each skill."

"It’s a great starting point for educators looking to integrate these crucial skills into their teaching."

Best suited for those new to the concepts or seeking an overview.

"While excellent, I found it to be more of an introduction rather than an in-depth dive into advanced applications."

"For experienced instructional designers, some parts might feel like a review of foundational concepts."

"It serves well as a comprehensive overview, but don't expect highly specialized techniques."

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.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to 21st Century Skills will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Development Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning and Development Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Trainer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Systems Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Policy Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for K-12 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Science Researcher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Counselor

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.

The Intelligent Investor Third Edition

Save

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.

Introduction to 21st Century Skills

What's inside

Learning objectives

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

21st century skills for educators

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses

edX Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Free Audit Track Available

14-Day Full Refund Window

Verified Academic & Industry Partner