- We understand why something is important to know or do
- We have the freedom to learn in our own way
- We can apply what we learn, followed by focused reflection
- The time is right for us to learn
- The process is positive & encouraging
- We are guided not graded, supported not criticized
Historical approaches to teaching and learning in an academic setting have long been recognized as inadequate in a world where the value of what we know is increasingly diminished by what we can do with the massive volume of information that we are bombarded with relentlessly. What we think we know today can and usually will change by tomorrow and we all need to be able to adapt quickly and competently to the ever transforming landscape of the world around us.
Education leaders have struggled to define the changing needs of learners as they are prepare to enter into a technological society that is characterized by rapidly accelerating change on a global scale.
This is an overview of some of these skills as defined by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning, a non-profit partnership of stakeholders in learning and education that includes educators, policy makers and public and private sector business.
“Workforce shortages, fiscal restraint, complex health care organizations, increasing patient acuity, the explosion of knowledge and technology, changing educational policies and the ever expanding role of nurses in healthcare all influence the successful preparation, transition and< integration of new graduates. We cannot afford to hide the complexity of practice readiness with simplistic solutions that belie the degree of cooperation that will be required among the sectors in envisioning unique and innovative transitional strategies.”
Wolff et al 2010 p 191