21st Century Skills – Essential for Students

The abilities that students need to develop for their success in this digital age are known as 21st century skills. To thrive in this digitally interconnected world, where learning never stops, all students need new skills and knowledge. The 21st century skills prepare our children for successful learning in school and also lead them towards excellence in career and future life. They will become digitally literate citizens having skills for success in life.

The 21st century skills are the following:
Critical Thinking
Creative Thinking
Collaboration
Communication
Information Literacy
Media Literacy
Technology Literacy
Flexibility
Initiative
Social Skills
Productivity
Leadership

These skills are essential for students in this age of the Internet. All students need the twenty-first century skills to succeed[1]. Programs imparting twenty-first century skills provide the students, everything they need to compete in this increasingly complex digital world. Hands-on, inquiry-based learning help the students to develop the twenty-first century skills. Communication skills as well as leadership, organizational and management abilities are increased which will lead the student towards a successful future life[2].

References:
1. Box JM. Twenty-first century learning after school: the case of Junior Achievement Worldwide. New Dir Youth Dev. 2006 Summer;(110):141-7, 20-1.

2. Cabral L. Twenty-first century skills for students: hands-on learning after school builds school and life success. New Dir Youth Dev. 2006 Summer;(110):155-61, 22-3.