I did a mental happy dance as I watched Tony Wagner’s 7 Skills students need for their future video. As he began to discuss the skills, I recognized how my innovation plan of implementing Design-Thinking into the traditional Project-Based Learning classroom, aligns with much of what was discussed in the video. (I am sure this is the case for most teachers.) In the video, Mr. Wagner stated that he was able to recognize the “global achievement gap” and realized how these survival skills can help close it. The 7 skills,
· Critical thinking and problem-solving
· Collaboration across networks and leading by influence
· Agility and adaptability
· Initiative and entrepreneurialism
· Effective oral and written communication
· Accessing and analyzing information
· Curiosity and imagination
are issues I began to realize are needed as I worked with the students at my former school. Representing 50 different countries and 40 different nations, the global achievement gap was staring me right in the face and I was determined to make some changes. My innovation plan will do just that.
The Ellen Galinsky Seven Essential Life Skills video made similar connections to Mr. Wagner’s video. Ms. Galinsky discusses her 13-year journey to find out how to keep children enthusiastic, noting that although children are born with passion, it is somehow lost over a period of time. As previously stated, the 7 skills,
· Focus and Self Control
· Perspective Taking (understanding how others think)
· Communicating
· Making Connections (Creatively)
· Critical Thinking
· Taking on Challenges
· Self-Directed, Engaged, Learning
are remarkably similar to the 7 skills students need for their future by Mr. Wagner.
As I continue to work on implementing my innovation plan, I am impressed to work through both lists so that I can better promote them in my students.
The significance of tackling these skills will not only help move us closer to resolving this crisis in America, but it will also prepare a road map for future generations. Like Wagner discusses, asking the right question is key to finding the right answer. When we ask the right questions, it improves our critical thinking, curiosity, and imagination.
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