[ELTWeekly Volume 7, Issue 14 | July 13, 2015 | ISSN 0975-3036]
In ELT we often regard our profession to be independent of teaching subjects like maths and science. That said, many of the approaches and materials we use are influenced by wider trends in education – from constructivist thinking in the 80’s that influenced the publication ofHeadway, to the recent “flipped learning” approach that’s inspiring some EFL teachers torethink blended learning.
In American mainstream education there is an increasing emphasis on a concept referred to as “21st Century Skills” – a collection of various competencies that are regarded as being important for success in life, such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, digital literacy, creativity, problem solving, environmental awareness and self-expression.
Now let’s be honest – it’s a bit of a buzzword, with a meaning that’s open to interpretation. But the essential concept is pertinent: the ability to combine the subject you’re learning, with the skills and awareness that you need to apply your knowledge of the subject successfully.
In ELT terms, I would interpret 21st Century Skills as:
- Analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating materials written in English
- Developing a “voice” on a topic and expressing it in English
- Researching materials and solving problems that are presented in English
- Being creative in English and taking communicative risks in pursuit of fluency.