“I am an intellectual” is how a student recently described himself to me. This explanation was in response to my push for an increased use of e-technology for a specific educational project. With these words, the student attempted to both distance and absolve himself of any necessary relevant connection to innovation and technology. If this was the first time this had been said to me, I could have walked away yet within the last year I have had both student interns and job applicants applying to teach English describe themselves in this way.
For each self-defined intellectual, I wanted to encourage them to understand that while the fact that they have 5 or 6 degrees is to be admired it would also be to their benefit to make sure they are gaining the necessary 21st century skills for life and the workplace.
In an article titled, “Create, Collaborate, Communicate: Empowering Students with 21st Century Skills”, it
says, the top three things employers are looking for in new recruits are:
- Creative problem solving
- Critical and analytical thinking skills
- Information gathering and evaluation
At the same time valuable 21st century competencies that schools are now encouraged to teach include the"Four ‘C' Skills:" critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation.
Self-defined intellectuals may need to ask themselves, if necessary, do I have these skills and competencies that can
enable me to thrive and survive in the 21st century. If the answer is no and these skills are desired for personal or professional reasons then it may be the time to develop a plan as to how to acquire them.
Students preparing to enter the university need to make sure their initial educational experience encourages and supports their embracing the four C skills while the self-described intellectual should seek internship and career opportunities that encourage greater development of skills in these areas.
Bringing these skills to a professional work experience along with educational degrees may be a clear plan of success!.
For each self-defined intellectual, I wanted to encourage them to understand that while the fact that they have 5 or 6 degrees is to be admired it would also be to their benefit to make sure they are gaining the necessary 21st century skills for life and the workplace.
In an article titled, “Create, Collaborate, Communicate: Empowering Students with 21st Century Skills”, it
says, the top three things employers are looking for in new recruits are:
- Creative problem solving
- Critical and analytical thinking skills
- Information gathering and evaluation
At the same time valuable 21st century competencies that schools are now encouraged to teach include the"Four ‘C' Skills:" critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation.
Self-defined intellectuals may need to ask themselves, if necessary, do I have these skills and competencies that can
enable me to thrive and survive in the 21st century. If the answer is no and these skills are desired for personal or professional reasons then it may be the time to develop a plan as to how to acquire them.
Students preparing to enter the university need to make sure their initial educational experience encourages and supports their embracing the four C skills while the self-described intellectual should seek internship and career opportunities that encourage greater development of skills in these areas.
Bringing these skills to a professional work experience along with educational degrees may be a clear plan of success!.
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