Learning and Innovation Skills

Creativity and Innovation

·         Demonstrating originality and inventiveness in work

·         Developing, implementing and communicating new ideas to others

·         Being open and responsive to new and diverse perspectives

·         Acting on creative ideas to make a tangible and useful contribution to the domain in which the innovation occurs 

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

·         Exercising sound reasoning in understanding

·         Making complex choices and decisions

·         Understanding the interconnections among systems

·         Identifying and asking significant questions that clarify various points of view and lead to better solutions

·         Framing, analyzing and synthesizing information in order to solve problems and answer questions

Communication and Collaboration

·         Articulating thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively through speaking and writing

·         Demonstrating ability to work effectively with diverse teams

·         Exercising flexibility and willingness to be helpful in making necessary compromises to accomplish a common goal

·         Assuming shared responsibility for collaborative work

Information, Media and Technology Skills

Information Literacy

·         Accessing information efficiently and effectively, evaluating information critically and competently and using information accurately and creatively for the issue or problem at hand

·         Possessing a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information  

Media Literacy

·         Understanding how media messages are constructed, for what purposes and using which tools, characteristics and conventions.

·         Examining how individuals interpret messages differently, how values and points of view are included or excluded and how media can influence beliefs and behaviors.

·         Possessing a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information

ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) Literacy

·         Using digital technology, communication tools and/or networks appropriately to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information in order to function in a knowledge economy

·         Using technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate and communicate information, and the possession of a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information

Life and Career Skills

Flexibility and Adaptability

·         Adapting to varied roles and responsibilities

·         Working effectively in a climate of ambiguity and changing priorities

Initiative and Self-Direction

·         Monitoring one’s own understanding and learning needs

·         Going beyond basic mastery of skills and/or curriculum to explore and expand one’s own learning and opportunities to gain expertise

·         Demonstrating initiative to advance skill levels towards a professional level

·         Defining, prioritizing and completing tasks without direct oversight

·         Utilizing time efficiently and managing workload

·         Demonstrating commitment to learning as a lifelong process

Social and Cross-Cultural Skills

·         Working appropriately and productively with others

·         Leveraging the collective intelligence of groups when appropriate

·         Bridging cultural differences and using differing perspectives to increase innovation and the quality of work

Productivity and Accountability

·         Setting and meeting high standards and goals for delivering quality work on time

·         Demonstrating diligence and a positive work ethic (e.g., being punctual and reliable)

Leadership and Responsibility

·         Using interpersonal and problem-solving skills to influence and guide others toward a goal

·         Leveraging strengths of others to accomplish a common goal

·         Demonstrating integrity and ethical behavior

·         Acting responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind

1Source: Partnership for 21st Century Skills (www.21stcenturyskills.org). Used with permission.