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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/r7f52s/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
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides college educators and administrators with a strong foundation in the theory, research, and practical applications of crucial 21st-century skills
Explores skills frameworks and critiques of these frameworks, which may help educators refine their teaching methodologies and adapt to evolving educational landscapes
Examines instructional design principles, offering educators practical guidance on structuring effective learning experiences for their students in both online and face-to-face settings
Features tips and strategies for teaching transferable skills in online courses, with a focus on instructional design, teaching, and assessment within online modalities
Requires learners to transform a curricular artifact, which may be time-consuming for educators who are already busy with teaching and administrative duties
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Reviews summary
New perspective for educators on skills
According to learners, this course offers a fresh and valuable perspective on teaching essential transferable skills, moving beyond traditional "soft skills" discourse. Students particularly appreciate how the course helps them rethink their approach to curriculum design and develop practical strategies for integrating skills like communication and critical thinking into their teaching. While the course provides a solid theoretical foundation, some reviewers noted that certain sections can be quite dense, requiring careful attention. Overall, the course is seen as highly relevant for educators seeking to enhance their teaching practices and empower students with crucial 21st-century capabilities.
Content is in-depth, requires careful study
"Some of the theoretical readings were quite challenging and dense, but ultimately very rewarding."
"I had to re-read certain sections on the theoretical critiques and cultural scripts to fully grasp them."
"The course doesn't shy away from the complexity of the concepts, which is good, but demands focus."
"While thorough, prepare to engage deeply with the material, as it's not always a light read."
Tools for transforming curriculum
"The module on instructional design gave me concrete steps and ideas to revise my syllabus and assignments."
"I immediately started applying the strategies for teaching critical thinking and teamwork in my online class."
"Working on transforming a curricular artifact was the most valuable, hands-on part of the course for me."
"I walked away with practical tools I can use tomorrow to improve how I teach skills."
Offers a novel approach to teaching skills
"I've been teaching for years, and this course completely shifted how I think about skills and student preparation."
"Moving beyond 'soft skills' felt really necessary; this course provided the framework I needed to articulate a better approach."
"The concept of 'cultural scripts' was a game-changer for my understanding of how skills are learned and applied."
"This course offers a genuinely new lens through which to view and teach transferable skills."
Highly relevant for teaching practice
"As a college instructor and administrator, I found this course directly applicable to my daily work and institutional goals."
"This is a must-take for anyone in higher education focused on student success and developing relevant curricula."
"It gave me new language and tools to discuss skill development effectively with colleagues, students, and stakeholders."
"The focus on applying concepts within academic settings felt spot-on for my needs."
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 Transferable Skills with these
activities:
Review Instructional Design Principles
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of instructional design principles to better grasp how to integrate transferable skills into course design.
Browse courses on
ADDIE Model
Show steps
-
Review key instructional design models and frameworks.
-
Identify examples of effective instructional design in online courses.
-
Reflect on how these principles can be applied to teaching transferable skills.
Read 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success'
Show steps
Understand the importance of mindset in learning and how to cultivate a growth mindset in students.
View
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and identify key concepts related to mindset.
-
Reflect on your own mindset and how it impacts your teaching.
-
Develop strategies for fostering a growth mindset in your students.
Read 'Teach Students How to Learn'
Show steps
Learn practical strategies for teaching students how to learn, focusing on metacognition and self-regulated learning.
View
Teach Students How to Learn
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on key strategies.
-
Identify specific techniques that can be applied to your course.
-
Develop a plan for incorporating these strategies into your teaching.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in Peer Review of Curricular Artifacts
Show steps
Engage in peer review sessions to provide and receive feedback on curricular artifacts, enhancing your understanding of effective instructional design.
Show steps
-
Share your curricular artifact with a peer.
-
Provide constructive feedback based on course principles.
-
Receive and reflect on feedback from your peer.
Develop a Lesson Plan Incorporating Teamwork
Show steps
Design a lesson plan that explicitly teaches and assesses teamwork skills, applying the principles learned in the course.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic relevant to your discipline.
-
Design activities that require collaboration and communication.
-
Develop a rubric for assessing teamwork skills.
-
Pilot the lesson plan and gather feedback.
Redesign a Course Syllabus
Show steps
Apply the course's principles by redesigning a syllabus to prominently feature transferable skills and cultural scripts.
Show steps
-
Select a course syllabus to redesign.
-
Identify opportunities to integrate transferable skills.
-
Incorporate activities and assessments that promote skill development.
-
Revise the syllabus and gather feedback.
Develop a Presentation on Teaching Critical Thinking
Show steps
Create a presentation summarizing strategies for teaching critical thinking skills in online courses.
Show steps
-
Research effective methods for teaching critical thinking.
-
Design a presentation outlining key strategies and examples.
-
Practice delivering the presentation.
-
Present to peers or colleagues for feedback.
Review Instructional Design Principles
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of instructional design principles to better grasp how to integrate transferable skills into course design.
Browse courses on
ADDIE Model
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review key instructional design models and frameworks.
- Identify examples of effective instructional design in online courses.
- Reflect on how these principles can be applied to teaching transferable skills.
Read 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success'
Show steps
Understand the importance of mindset in learning and how to cultivate a growth mindset in students.
View
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and identify key concepts related to mindset.
- Reflect on your own mindset and how it impacts your teaching.
- Develop strategies for fostering a growth mindset in your students.
Read 'Teach Students How to Learn'
Show steps
Learn practical strategies for teaching students how to learn, focusing on metacognition and self-regulated learning.
View
Teach Students How to Learn
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on key strategies.
- Identify specific techniques that can be applied to your course.
- Develop a plan for incorporating these strategies into your teaching.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in Peer Review of Curricular Artifacts
Show steps
Engage in peer review sessions to provide and receive feedback on curricular artifacts, enhancing your understanding of effective instructional design.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Share your curricular artifact with a peer.
- Provide constructive feedback based on course principles.
- Receive and reflect on feedback from your peer.
Develop a Lesson Plan Incorporating Teamwork
Show steps
Design a lesson plan that explicitly teaches and assesses teamwork skills, applying the principles learned in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic relevant to your discipline.
- Design activities that require collaboration and communication.
- Develop a rubric for assessing teamwork skills.
- Pilot the lesson plan and gather feedback.
Redesign a Course Syllabus
Show steps
Apply the course's principles by redesigning a syllabus to prominently feature transferable skills and cultural scripts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a course syllabus to redesign.
- Identify opportunities to integrate transferable skills.
- Incorporate activities and assessments that promote skill development.
- Revise the syllabus and gather feedback.
Develop a Presentation on Teaching Critical Thinking
Show steps
Create a presentation summarizing strategies for teaching critical thinking skills in online courses.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research effective methods for teaching critical thinking.
- Design a presentation outlining key strategies and examples.
- Practice delivering the presentation.
- Present to peers or colleagues for feedback.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Transferable Skills will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Learning Experience Designer
Learning Experience Designer
Learning experience designers focus on creating engaging and effective learning experiences for students. This course helps learning experience designers by providing a solid foundation in instructional design principles and strategies for teaching 21st-century skills. The course’s emphasis on both online and face-to-face modalities allows designers to create flexible and effective learning environments. The course helps you understand key principles of instructional design and how to structure a course syllabus.
eLearning Designer
eLearning Designer
eLearning designers create online courses and training materials. This course is particularly relevant as it focuses on teaching 21st-century skills within online modalities. The course's emphasis on instructional design, teaching, and assessment specifically within online environments, helps eLearning designers create engaging and effective online learning experiences. This course helps you build an appreciation for how skills in the “real-world” are routinized.
Faculty Development Specialist
Faculty Development Specialist
Faculty development specialists support faculty members in improving their teaching skills and creating engaging learning experiences. This course can benefit faculty development specialists by providing a solid foundation in the theory and practice of teaching 21st-century skills. The course’s focus on instructional design and assessment strategies can be directly applied to faculty training programs. The course emphasizes skills acquisition.
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional Coordinator
An instructional coordinator ensures the quality and effectiveness of educational programs. This role requires not only a deep understanding of pedagogy but also the ability to design curricula that foster critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. This course equips you with instructional design principles, which are crucial for developing effective learning experiences. Further, the course's focus on teaching these skills in online modalities supports the design and implementation of engaging online courses, a growing area in education. This course helps you synthesize knowledge to improve curricular materials or strategic plans.
Educational Coordinator
Educational Coordinator
Educational coordinators oversee and manage educational programs or initiatives. This course is valuable for educational coordinators as it provides a framework for understanding and promoting 21st-century skills, which are crucial for student success. The course's emphasis on instructional design principles helps coordinators develop effective and engaging programs. The course helps you synthesize and apply your new knowledge by diagnosing and then transforming a curricular artifact of your own.
Educational Technology Specialist
Educational Technology Specialist
Educational technology specialists integrate technology into teaching and learning environments. This course helps educational technology specialists by providing a framework for understanding how to use technology to enhance the teaching of 21st-century skills. The course's focus on instructional design and assessment in online courses is particularly relevant for integrating technology. The course features tips and strategies for teaching these skills in online courses.
Education Program Manager
Education Program Manager
Education program managers oversee the planning, development, and implementation of educational programs. This course helps education program managers by providing a framework for understanding and promoting crucial 21st-century skills. The course helps you understand instructional design principles, which can inform the development of effective programs. The course helps you develop an appreciation for how skills in the “real-world” are routinized.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developer
As a curriculum developer, you craft educational materials and programs that align with learning objectives and industry standards. This course helps people in this role by providing a strong theoretical background and practical application of critical 21st-century skills. The course helps you understand instructional design principles, enabling the creation of engaging and effective curricula. Moreover, the course helps you to assess and critique existing curriculum and transform it to prominently feature cultural scripts.
Adult Education Teacher
Adult Education Teacher
Adult education teachers provide instruction and training to adult learners in a variety of settings. This course is beneficial for adult education teachers because it addresses how to effectively teach communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-regulated learning. The course's focus on instructional design helps adult education teachers create relevant and engaging learning experiences. The course features tips and strategies for teaching these skills in online courses.
Training Manager
Training Manager
Training managers oversee the development and implementation of training programs within an organization. This course would be useful for training managers by providing a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively teach key skills like communication and teamwork. The course's emphasis on instructional design helps them create engaging and effective training programs. The course also helps training managers in online modalities.
Corporate Trainer
Corporate Trainer
Corporate trainers design and deliver training programs to enhance employee skills and performance. This course would be highly valuable for a corporate trainer because it specifically addresses how to teach communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-managed learning. The course's emphasis on instructional design and assessment in both face-to-face and online settings aligns with the diverse needs of corporate training environments. The course helps you develop and transform course material to prominently feature cultural scripts.
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrator
Higher education administrators manage various aspects of colleges and universities, from academic affairs to student services. This course may be useful for administrators because it provides insights into teaching methods and can help inform decisions about curriculum development and faculty training. The course's focus on 21st-century skills aligns with the goals of preparing students for success in college and beyond. The course features tips and strategies for online courses, with a focus on instructional design, teaching, and assessment within online modalities.
Education Consultant
Education Consultant
Education consultants advise schools, universities, and other educational organizations on improving their programs and practices. This course may be useful in that it helps consultants stay up-to-date on current thinking in education and allows them to recommend innovative strategies for teaching critical skills. Understanding the limitations of traditional “soft skills” approaches allows consultants to develop more effective solutions. The course helps you transform existing course material to prominently feature cultural scripts.
Academic Coach
Academic Coach
Academic coaches work individually to help students improve their study habits, time management, and learning strategies. This course may be useful in that it provides insights into teaching crucial 21st-century skills, including self-regulated learning. Understanding the theory and research supporting these skills helps coaches develop personalized strategies for student success. The focus on instructional design principles can also assist coaches in creating effective learning plans. The course helps you develop insight into the limitations of “soft skills”.
Researcher
Researcher
Researchers investigate various aspects of education, such as teaching methods, curriculum effectiveness, and student learning outcomes. This course may be useful for conducting research related to 21st-century skills and instructional design. Understanding the theoretical foundations and practical applications discussed in the course helps researchers design studies and interpret findings related to these areas. This course helps you develop a working knowledge of limitations with the dominant “soft skills” and “career readiness” discourses.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/r7f52s/introduction
Reading list
We've selected two 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 Transferable Skills.
Provides practical strategies for teaching students how to learn effectively. It focuses on metacognition, study skills, and motivation, all of which are crucial for developing self-regulated learning. The book offers actionable techniques that can be incorporated into any course to improve student learning outcomes. It valuable resource for educators looking to enhance students' transferable skills.
Save
Explores the power of mindset in achieving success. It differentiates between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and how adopting a growth mindset can enhance learning and resilience. Understanding mindset is crucial for fostering self-motivated learning and helping students develop a positive attitude towards challenges. This book provides valuable insights into how to cultivate a growth mindset in both yourself and your students.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/r7f52s/introduction
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Rating
4.6
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
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