The Essential Learning Skills of the 21st century often referred to as the 4C’s, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration. These skills are very essential for students to succeed in the 21st century, especially as they move up the career ladder. The SpeEdLab’s Multidimensional Program ACME is specifically crafted to help prepare students with the 4C’s. 

 

What are the 4C’s?

 

There is no doubt that the 4C’s are the most popular 21st Century skills. Their importance may also differ, depending on a person’s professional goals.

 

 Why Does Every Student Need To Have These Skills?

 

• Critical Thinking skills enhance motivation. It has been found that children who are proficient in critical-thinking skills are more likely to be motivated to achieve academically and less likely to have negative influences.
• Creativity helps to release emotions healthily. Creative children display less frustration, become more enthusiastic about learning, and are more receptive to other perspectives.
• Communication is the act of expressing an idea clearly and quickly. Communication skills can be improved through fun methods that develop self-esteem, support healthy emotional development and boost teamwork.
• Collaboration is the process through which students learn how to solve a problem, approach solutions, and decide what to do next. They can also gain some insight into the way other people think.

 

How Can Students Learn These Skills?

  

How Do These Skills Help Professionally?

1. 
   

       Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking is essential for the success of employees and students.

• Critical Thinking skills enable us to acknowledge the potential consequences of any decision, weigh options, and identify potential outcomes.
• The employer certainly appreciates an employee who anticipates future problems before they arise and plans accordingly.
• You can improve your critical thinking skills by just getting into an evaluation and problem-solving mindset.

 

2. 
   

       Creativity

Almost every industry and occupation in the 21st century requires Creativity.

• A company or industry that seeks innovation should be looking for employees who possess a lot of creativity.
• Keeping up with the latest news and trends within your industry and others is important for your creativity. Companies that can think outside the box will be able to react to changes in the market and find creative solutions.
• It is possible to cultivate creativity even if you feel stuck when brainstorming or solving problems.

 

3. 
   

       Communication

Being able to Communicate is a universal skill that impacts many aspects of your life.

• In this age of automation, communication remains of paramount importance to maintain a healthy corporate culture.
• Even though you’re probably sick of hearing about effective communication, you can’t deny that it serves a purpose.
• If you can’t effectively communicate your point respectfully and coherently, then all of your technical knowledge is useless.

 

4. 
   

   Collaboration

In the 21st century, Collaboration plays a critical role in every career field, regardless of your occupation.

• Today’s workforce is made up of highly specialized employees. You won’t be able to do every job, but you should be able to work effectively with the people involved.
• Working effectively with your peers will allow you to receive much-needed help, expand your expertise, and ultimately deliver better work.
• In case you have trouble asking for help from others or working in a team, get involved in projects or volunteer work that force you to rely on those who know more than you do.

 

How can ACME help you learn the 4C’s?

ACME is a multidimensional skill development program for grades 6th-10th. This program is designed by SpeEdLabs for young learners, with a focus on developing higher-order thinking, design thinking, analytics, communication, mathematics, and computational thinking skills.

In the program, learning will be facilitated through:

•       Project-Based Learning
•       Hands-On Activities
•       Guided Inquisitive Learning
•       Research and Collaboration
•       Active-Cooperative Learning
•       Innovative Report Writing

ACME covers four major components, including Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration. Each component is integrated into innovative mini-projects that are accomplished during a few hours of work by small teams under the supervision of an experienced facilitator.

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Also published on Medium.