21st Century Learning Skills and STI Institutional Outcomes (4Cs) PDF

GE2407 21ST CENTURY/LEARNING SKILLS AND STI INSTITUTIONAL OUTCOMES (4CS) The 21st century has brought rapid technological advances and g...

GE2407 21ST CENTURY/LEARNING SKILLS AND STI INSTITUTIONAL OUTCOMES (4CS) The 21st century has brought rapid technological advances and global interconnectedness, making it crucial for individuals to possess skills to navigate this complex landscape. These skills, often called the "4C's," include Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration. These skills are vital to personal and professional success in the modern world. The 21st Century Skills Critical Thinking The capacity to critically evaluate information and reach a well-reasoned conclusion is known as critical thinking. Assessing sources, including data, facts, observable occurrences, and study findings, is necessary. Critical thinkers challenge presumptions, identify hidden values, analyze the data, and draw conclusions. Critical thinking enables people to distinguish between important and irrelevant information in an information-rich environment, which improves decision-making and problem-solving. Shown below are some techniques to enhance critical thinking. TECHNIQUE DESCRIPTION Questioning Assumptions Continuously ask why things are the way they are. Argument Analysis Break down arguments to examine their validity (and accuracy, if possible). Reflective Thinking Regularly reflect on your own beliefs and values. Problem Decomposition Breaking down problems into smaller, solvable parts. Data Analysis Evaluating data to identify trends and insights. Logical Reasoning Using structured thinking to conclude. Communication The capacity to converse ideas clearly and effectively is known as effective communication. It requires speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Effective communicators understand who they are talking to and adjust their message accordingly. In today's linked world, cooperation and teamwork depend heavily on communication. It guarantees that concepts are communicated and comprehended, constructive criticism is offered, and disputes are settled peacefully. Shown below are some of the elements of an efficient communicator. ELEMENT DESCRIPTION Clarity Straightforwardly conveying messages. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI Page 1 of 5  GE2407 ELEMENT DESCRIPTION Active Listening Fully engaging in listening to understand others. Feedback Providing constructive responses to communication. Creativity Thinking creatively entails developing original ideas and unconventional solutions. It is the capacity to generate original thoughts and to adopt fresh perspectives on the world. Problem-solving techniques that need creativity to be developed include mind mapping, brainstorming, and participating in various activities. Creativity fosters innovation and the creation of new goods, services, and procedures in the modern workplace. Shown below are some exercises to encourage creative thinking. TECHNIQUE DESCRIPTION Brainstorming Generate as many ideas as possible without judgment. Mind Mapping Visually organize information to see connections. Role Playing Adopt different perspectives to explore new solutions. Collaboration The capacity to team up with others to accomplish a shared objective is known as collaboration. It calls for coordination, cooperation, and teamwork. Collaborative skills are essential in today's varied and dynamic work contexts, where projects frequently demand input from people with different experiences and backgrounds. Mutual respect, open communication, and a readiness to divide duties are essential for successful teamwork. Shown below are some of the components of an efficient collaboration. COMPONENT DESCRIPTION Open Communication Sharing ideas and feedback transparently. Mutual Respect Valuing each team member's contributions. Shared Responsibility Equitably distributing tasks and accountability. These 21st-century skills are essential for success in the modern world. They enable individuals to navigate complex problems, innovate, effectively share ideas, and work well with others. By developing these skills, individuals can better prepare themselves for the challenges and opportunities of the future. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI Page 2 of 5  GE2407 STI’s Institutional Outcomes STI has adopted 21st-century skills as part of our institutional outcomes, which you can access in your Syllabus and Course Outline. These outcomes, categorized as Communicator, Critical Thinker, Character, and Change Adept, form the foundation for personal and professional success. Each skill and its counterpart are listed below. 21ST CENTURY SKILL STI’s INSTITUTIONAL OUTCOME Communication Communicator Critical Thinker Critical Thinking Collaboration Character Creativity Change Adept Communicator Being an effective communicator involves conveying ideas clearly and persuasively across various mediums. This skill encompasses verbal, non-verbal, and written communication and active listening. Effective communicators tailor their messages to their audience, ensuring clarity and impact, which is crucial for building relationships, facilitating collaboration, and achieving goals. Critical Thinker Critical thinking involves analyzing information objectively and making reasoned judgments. This skill requires breaking down complex problems, identifying patterns, and drawing logical conclusions. Critical thinkers evaluate evidence, anticipate outcomes, and devise strategic solutions, enabling them to navigate a world inundated with information and make sound decisions. Character Character encompasses the qualities of integrity, ethical behavior, and social responsibility. Individuals with strong character act with honesty, fairness, and respect for others. They are committed to contributing positively to society, promoting social justice, environmental sustainability, and ethical practices. This outcome fosters a sense of accountability and moral fortitude. While not explicitly one (1) of the 4Cs, Character is integral to effective collaboration and social responsibility. This outcome ensures that STI graduates act honestly and fairly, engage in community activities, and promote sustainability, all essential for collaborative environments and responsible citizenship. Shown below are traits of people with character. TRAIT DESCRIPTION Ethical Behavior Acting with integrity and fairness. Community Engagement Participating in activities that benefit society. Environmental Stewardship Promoting sustainable practices and protecting the environment. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI Page 3 of 5  GE2407 Change Adept Being change-adept means having the ability to adapt to new situations and embrace innovation. Change- adept individuals can navigate different environments, leverage new technologies, and respond to emerging challenges with agility and resourcefulness. This outcome aligns with the 21st-century skills of creativity and adaptability, enabling individuals to navigate different environments, leverage new technologies, and easily respond to emerging challenges. Shown below are some strategies to become change-adept. STRATEGY DESCRIPTION Flexibility Adapting to new situations and changing environments. Resilience Recovering quickly from setbacks and challenges. Proactive Learning Continuously seeking new knowledge and skills. STI's institutional outcomes prepare you to excel in your dream careers and make meaningful contributions to society. By mastering these outcomes, you will be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world and drive positive change in your communities. The 4Cs and Employability In today’s competitive job market, possessing technical skills alone is insufficient. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who demonstrate a strong set of soft skills. STI’s institutional outcomes — Communicator, Critical Thinker, Character, and Change Adept — are designed to align with these demands, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to excel in their personal and professional lives. Here's how each of STI’s 4Cs can significantly boost students' employability. INSTITUTIONAL OUTCOME BENEFIT(S) SAMPLE JOB ROLES Critical Thinker Problem Solving. Critical thinkers can 1. Business analyst identify the root cause of problems and 2. Marketing strategist develop effective solutions, making them 3. Engineer invaluable in troubleshooting and strategic planning roles. Decision Making. Evaluating information and anticipating consequences enables critical thinkers to make sound decisions, reducing risks and enhancing productivity. Innovation. Critical thinkers often contribute to innovative solutions by questioning assumptions and exploring alternative approaches. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI Page 4 of 5  GE2407 INSTITUTIONAL OUTCOME BENEFIT(S) SAMPLE JOB ROLES Communicator Clarity and Precision. Clear communication 1. Sales representative ensures that instructions and information are 2. Project manager understood, reducing errors and increasing 3. Human resources efficiency. Persuasion. Strong communicators can influence decisions and persuade stakeholders, which is crucial in sales, marketing, and leadership roles. Team Dynamics. Effective communication fosters better teamwork, involving active listening, providing feedback, and resolving conflicts. Character Ethical Behavior. Acting with integrity and 1. Compliance officer fairness builds trust and credibility within and 2. Corporate social with clients. responsibility Community Engagement. Participating in manager community activities enhances the 3. Environmental company’s social responsibility and consultant reputation. Environmental Stewardship. Promoting sustainable practices benefits the environment and aligns with modern corporate values. Change Adept Flexibility 1. IT specialist Resilience 2. Product developer Proactive Learning 3. Organizational development specialist References Budai, S. S., & McLaughlin, L. (2021). Teaching the 4Cs with Technology: How do I use 21st-century tools to teach 21st-century skills? (ASCD Arias). ASCD. https://www.ascd.org/books/teaching-the-4cs-with-technology Hummel, B. (2024). What are the 4 C’s of 21st-century skills? iCEV Online. https://www.icevonline.com/blog/four- cs-21st-century-skills Lamb, A. (2023). What are the 4 C’s of 21st-century learning skills? Torrens University. https://www.torrens.edu.au/stories/blog/student-life/what-are-the-4-cs-of-21st-century-learning Olid, Y. (2022). (STI) How can I exhibit STI 4Cs amid the pandemic and despite the community quarantine? [video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8um-7ARXZw Thornhill-Miller, B., Camarda, A., Mercier, M., Burkhardt, J., Morisseau, T., Bourgeois-Bougrine, S., Vinchon, F., Hayek, S. E., Augereau-Landais, M., Mourey, F., Feybesse, C., Sundquist, D., & Lubart, T. (2023). Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration: assessment, certification, and promotion of 21st century skills for the future of work and education. Journal of Intelligence, 11(3), 54. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11030054 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI Page 5 of 5