21st Century Literacy Skills Will Save the World!

 

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” -Alvin Toffler

  In 21st century education, it is essential that all teachers understand what Alvin Toffler is saying, and even more important that students do. To me, this means that students must know how to learn (think) - apply schema and generate new knowledge, unlearn (change) - modify and adjust thinking, and relearn (adapt) - revisit old ideas that might have fresh context.

 21st century students must possess the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. It will prove vital. 21st century teachers are assigned the vital task of making sure that their students are prepared with the necessary skills to think, change, and adapt. Change is constant, and just as the world and its people transform to fit global wants and needs, so must the classroom and its students.

 21st century students do not have the same opportunities as previous generations, they have much greater opportunities. Likewise, 21st century students do not face the competition and challenges of yesteryear, they face far greater ones. Instead of competing for jobs and career placement with people in their town or state, they are in competition with people across the country and beyond. The problems that exist in the world now are nothing like the ones that previous generations had to counter. I say this not to make light of our history and the great feats of humanity that have pushed us to this point in our existence, but rather to emphasize the harsh and heavy issues that are on the horizon. Our primary issues and concerns are no longer a matter of state, but a matter of survival.

 We face a future that will require us to join forces as a global community and address problems that, without proper solution, could prove to be catastrophic. This is the 11th hour and problems, such as global warming, the depletion of natural resources, and social/religious warfare, require definitive answers. These answers must come from the very students that we now teach. Their literacy is not simply being able to read or being able to write. Their literacy is being able to adapt their thinking - learn, unlearn, and relearn. The survival of the human race is dependent upon their ability to do this. 21st century teachers have the great responsibility of educating students on this type of thinking - learn what works best, unlearn it when it doesn't apply, and relearn it when it does.

This type of literacy will save the world!

As a teacher, I know that you probably can't deviate too much from the curriculum and standards that are assigned to you by your state and school district to govern your teaching practices, but perhaps you can use the following to help incorporate 21st century literacy skills into your classroom:

Noodle Tools: 21st Century Literacies




IF YOU KNOW OF ANY OTHER SITES OR RESOURCES THAT PROMOTE 21st CENTURY LITERACY SKILLS, THEN PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD THEM IN THE COMMENT BOX!