Thoughts on: http://www.conferenceboard.ca/topics/education/learning-tools/employability-skills.aspx
I wonder why schools spend so much time and energy (and frustration) specifically on testable skills (which are needed to prepare adequately for specific jobs) but so little time on "soft-skills" (which are clearly required to set one above the crowd). This article shows what the Conference Board of Canada believes are the important skills to develop in school to best prepare learners for the workforce (or for entrepreneurship). I wonder which we are focusing on in our classroom .... Hmmmm? My classroom has the learning space and activity rules ... in 6 parts ... Content is the umbrella and the "media" to show the other skills. Critical Thinking Collaboration Communication Creativity Connections ... this is when the learner connects the new knowledge or "thinking" to other skills or knowledge they have or to current events etc. I work these 6 things into projects, either assigned or student designed, and include them in the assessment whenever possible (often as part of the self-evaluation or reflections). **** From the link above (this is the short, point form, addendum connected to a larger document). You will be better prepared to progress in the world of work when you can: COMMUNICATE
Personal Management SkillsThe personal skills, attitudes, and behaviours that drive one’s potential for growthYou will be able to offer yourself greater possibilities for achievement when you can: DEMONSTRATE POSITIVE ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS
Teamwork SkillsThe skills and attributes needed to contribute productivelyYou will be better prepared to add value to the outcomes of a task, project, or team when you can: WORK WITH OTHERS
*** Other useful documents can be found at: http://www.conferenceboard.ca/Libraries/EDUC_PUBLIC/esp2000.sflb http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/top-ten-skills.htm
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CategoriesJames KlassenI am a teacher. I have held various teaching positions, mostly in Abbotsford, BC, Canada, since 1987. I believe that teachers have the opportunity to inspire deep and meaningful learning and that all learners create their knowledge in ways that are connected to their interests and within their social context. I have observed many waves of educational "reform" come and go and remain hopeful that schools will be transformed into places where all learners desire to be creators and consumers of knowledge and that, together, each member of this community will become prepared to face their world in both skills and attitudes. |