Review the 21CLD dimensions
For our young people to successfully live, learn, and work in the 21st century, they must develop a range of skills and competencies on top of mere core subject knowledge. In the 21st century, learning no longer ends with graduation. To thrive in the modern workplace, we need to be continuously learning and gaining new skills throughout our careers. The 21CLD dimensions were developed to help our young people become flexible, adaptable, and lifelong learners to do just that.
In the Knowledge Construction dimension, learners a required to construct and apply knowledge. When learners apply their knowledge in new contexts, they practice critical thinking and learn how to adapt their current knowledge to new situations. Additionally, interdisciplinary learning activities help learners connect content to deepen their understanding.
The Collaboration dimension develops learners' ability to work with others. They gain valuable negotiation skills by sharing responsibility and making substantive decisions together. When their work is interdependent, learners also learn the importance of teamwork.
The Real-World Problem Solving and innovation dimension prepares learners for life in our ever-changing society. By working with problems without a previously learned solution, learners practice creative thinking and problem solving. When they’re exposed to authentic, real-world problems, learners practice the same critical and creative thinking skills they will need when they enter the workforce. And, when learners implement their solutions in the real world, they gain confidence in their abilities to solve complex problems for specific audiences.
In today’s globally-connected and conflicted society, the Skilled Communication dimension is more important than ever. When we teach our young people to support their communication and substantiate their claims with evidence, they develop the power to persuade others and create change. They practice the vital skill of flexible thinking by designing communications for specific audiences. By developing their communication skills, learners also gain insight into how others communicate with them and become more discerning when consuming information themselves.
The Self-regulation Dimension prepares learners for the fast-paced and autonomous work environment of the 21st century. Learners practice executive functioning skills by planning, monitoring, and revising their work.
When learners use ICT for learning, they learn how to use the technology all around them for authentic, deep learning. They also develop marketable skills by working with a variety of tools to create ICT products for a real audience.
The future of work is far less predictable than it has been in the past. With emerging markets and constant change in the workforce, young people won’t have the same structure and stability that previous generations enjoyed. The skills they gain from practicing 21CLD dimensions will prepare them to navigate the unpredictable career paths to come.