copyright stefanakis 2002 EDUCATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY : Developing Educational Competencies in a Rapidly Changing World A Presentation for Program on Improving Quality in Educational Systems June, 2003 Evangeline Harris Stefanakis, Harvard University, Graduate School of Education ©adapted from work of Tony Wagner, Harvard University, 1999

copyright stefanakis 2002 THE CHANGING GLOBAL CONTEXT OF EDUCATION Both the world and students’ lives are changing as a result of the information age What students need to know and latest research findings about how students learn is also changing Educators/ Policy Makers must create new structures, curricula, and teaching methods in response

copyright stefanakis 2002 EDUCATION FOR TOMMOROW, NOT JUST FOR TODAY (O’Sullivan) What does it mean to be an educated person today? What will it mean to be an educated person in tomorrow’s world? How can we best prepare tomorrow’s global individuals as lifelong learners and as citizens?

copyright stefanakis 2002 CHANGES IN THE GLOBAL LABOR MARKET & WORKPLACE ( Murnane and Levy, Brandt ) A “techno-service” economy – economies are moving from manufacturing to information and service – all students need more critical thinking skills Need for new set of skills: – self-motivation and life-long learning – problem solving – teamwork

copyright stefanakis 2002 CHANGES IN CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS (Gardner, Hirsch, Sternberg) Critical Thinking: Increasing complexity of content, issues and ideas Civic Engagement: Need for active & informed citizens Civility: An increasingly diverse world – understand different perspectives/ cultures – a more respectful dialogue – a focus on humanity and the arts

copyright stefanakis 2002 CHANGES IN MANY STUDENTS’ LIVES How true is this in other countries? Traditional incentives for learning are less of an influence in all students’ lives – less fear and respect for authority – fewer believe hard work = success =happiness Adults less of a presence in students’ lives – student’s come to school emotionally needy – youth are hungry for caring and community

copyright stefanakis 2002 REDEFINING THE EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGE We do not need to reform educational systems and schools because educators have failed We need to redesign schooling and redefine excellence because our present structures, curricula and methods of teaching are obsolete

copyright stefanakis 2002 SOME LESSONS FROM THE EDUCATION “MARKETPLACE” ( Murnane & Levy; Brandt) QUALITIES OF SUCCESSFUL SCHOOLS : A clear and limited curricular focus Attention to smaller size/ smaller size units An organizationally “flat” structure = more teacher leadership & collaboration A strong sense of community A clear focus on explicit values

copyright stefanakis 2002 THE FOUR “C’S”: Principles for ‘Redesign’ (Wagner, 1999) Competencies, not “coverage” –What students can do with knowledge Coherence & Choice, not comprehensiveness –A few goals with clear outcomes; alignment of curriculum & assessment; focused use of resources; a range of options Core Values for students and adults –Relationships matter: there is no learning and no collaboration without trust and respect Community & Collaboration –You can’t motivate a student you don’t know –You can’t educate a student alone

copyright stefanakis 2002 THE NEW BASICS: FOUR COMPETENCIES IN A CHANGING WORLD 1. workplace 2. citizenship 3. life-long learning 4. personal growth and health

copyright stefanakis 2002 Initial Assessments HOW DO THESE IDEAS APPLY TO YOUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM? NAME 4 BASIC KNOWLEDGE/SKILL AREAS YOUR SYSTEM CURRENTLY OFFERS STUDENTS?

copyright stefanakis 2002 To Summarize, consider a process …. Focus on Quality of Teaching & Learning Using Research as a Guide Handout 10 -Follow-up Planning A Process of Teacher Development Evening Reflection- Given what I heard today, what should I advocate for in my educational system?