My 21st Century Skills and How I Demonstrate them

Learning and Innovation Skills

Creativity and Innovation

•    Demonstrating originality and inventiveness in work

I try new things and though I like to see what other people have done, I add my own twist or flavor that reflects me

•    Developing, implementing and communicating new ideas to others

I like to share my creations with other people and ask them for advice on how to make it better

•    Being open and responsive to new and diverse perspectives

When other people make comments, I see them as suggestions and consider how they may improve my project while still making it my own

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

When I have an idea, I act upon it and try to make something new, but if it is really not good and is just for my enjoyment, I do not publish it online or include some kind of statement at the beginning like "this is just an experiment."  I am good about taking down websites and documents I publish online because I do not want to clutter up the Web.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

•    Exercising sound reasoning in understanding

I use my background knowledge and experiences with people and my learning in order to weigh my decisions.  I can defend my decisions by showing that I have thought it through.

•    Making complex choices and decisions

I really think about the consequences of my choices and make sure they are good for other people and the world in general

•    Understanding the interconnections among systems

When I learn about something new, I think about how it is like something else I have learned and how it fits into my learning so far

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

I have people in my life who I like to ask advice of.  They help me think through things and like to add their two cents

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

When I am trying to solve a problem, I think about what my final goal is.  I then break it down in terms of what I need to know in order to reach my goal and what tools will help me along the way

Communication and Collaboration

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

Whenever I write something or plan to talk to others about something, I make an outline on paper or in my head about what I need to say and make sure I have some examples or analogies to help illustrate my thoughts

•    Demonstrating ability to work effectively with diverse teams

I work hard to always recognize the value in what others have to say and appreciate what they bring to a conversation.  If I am frustrated, I know when to be quiet or walk away.  I have a plan for solving problems and conflicts with others and practice the "agree to disagree" approach

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

I know that in working with others there must be compromise and even if I think I have a better idea, when I am in a group everyone should have an opportunity to contribute and after we discuss differing opinions and options, we weigh the approaches and come to a general agreement on how to get to our goal.  I know that even if I think I have the best way, I need to make sure I am always fair and allow everyone to contribute to the best of their ability

•    Assuming shared responsibility for collaborative work

 Everyone I work with is a contributor and they deserve credit for their work.  I know how to compliment and give credit to others for their ideas and products.

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