NEA (2010) developed this guide to introduce educators to the concept of “Four Cs”: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity (p.7).
Critical thinking is looking at problems in a novel way, linking learning across subjects and disciplines, and able to seek and use relevant sources of information to solve problems. Critical thinking has long been a valued skill in society. Today, every student not just the academically advanced needs it. While critical thinking and problem solving used to be the domain of gifted students, now it’s a critical domain for every student. Teaching critical thinking and problem solving effectively in the classroom is vital for students. Learning critical thinking leads students to develop other …show more content…
Effective communication skills are essential in many walks of our daily life and in attaining our goals. It’s important to stay aware of the digital world students live in as we design learning experiences to cultivate important skills. Unlimited opportunities are present for communicating in 21st century. Students communicate everyday by texting and posting on social media avenues to stay in touch with friends. Students need to demonstrate effective communication skills by clearly expressing their thoughts to various audiences and for a range of purposes as the example, "students communicate with a Peace Corps volunteer, community activist, or local leader who is fluent in the target language and has field work experience. (NEA, 2010, p.15)" Teachers can help students make the connections between their recreational communication and the kinds of communication they need to become successful beyond the …show more content…
For many students, they think creativity is something reserved for scientists or artists. In fact, anyone in any occupation can be creative in their work. Creativity does not need to be about developing something novel to the world, it is more to do with developing something new to themselves. They can use their creativity to study smarter or make them happier. When they change themselves, the world changes with them. That is the reason why teachers must provide opportunities for their students to be creative across the curriculum. The lesson plan (NEA, 2010, p.26) for an English class using words and phrases cut from newspaper and magazine to create a "found poem", is a good demonstration that can encourage creativity and innovation in the
Critical thinking is looking at problems in a novel way, linking learning across subjects and disciplines, and able to seek and use relevant sources of information to solve problems. Critical thinking has long been a valued skill in society. Today, every student not just the academically advanced needs it. While critical thinking and problem solving used to be the domain of gifted students, now it’s a critical domain for every student. Teaching critical thinking and problem solving effectively in the classroom is vital for students. Learning critical thinking leads students to develop other …show more content…
Effective communication skills are essential in many walks of our daily life and in attaining our goals. It’s important to stay aware of the digital world students live in as we design learning experiences to cultivate important skills. Unlimited opportunities are present for communicating in 21st century. Students communicate everyday by texting and posting on social media avenues to stay in touch with friends. Students need to demonstrate effective communication skills by clearly expressing their thoughts to various audiences and for a range of purposes as the example, "students communicate with a Peace Corps volunteer, community activist, or local leader who is fluent in the target language and has field work experience. (NEA, 2010, p.15)" Teachers can help students make the connections between their recreational communication and the kinds of communication they need to become successful beyond the …show more content…
For many students, they think creativity is something reserved for scientists or artists. In fact, anyone in any occupation can be creative in their work. Creativity does not need to be about developing something novel to the world, it is more to do with developing something new to themselves. They can use their creativity to study smarter or make them happier. When they change themselves, the world changes with them. That is the reason why teachers must provide opportunities for their students to be creative across the curriculum. The lesson plan (NEA, 2010, p.26) for an English class using words and phrases cut from newspaper and magazine to create a "found poem", is a good demonstration that can encourage creativity and innovation in the