MODULE 5

On Becoming a Glocal Teacher

CHAPTER 5 Lesson 3: The Changing Global Landscape for the 21st Century
Teachers

Overview
Have you ever pondered the idea of transitioning into the role of an educator in
the future, or considering teaching as a potential profession for yourself? Are
you confident in your ability to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively
engage with the diverse range of learners in today's generation? What do you perceive as
the key responsibilities of a modern teacher in the contemporary classroom setting?

The emergence of technology has significantly altered the landscape of traditional

education, providing new avenues for both teaching and learning. As a 21st-century
educator, it is imperative to embrace the acquisition of life and career skills relevant to
this era. As noted by educational scholar Marc Prensky, "The role of the teacher is to
create the conditions for invention rather than provide ready-made knowledge". By
embodying these competencies, you can facilitate effective and efficient learning
experiences for your future students while catering to their diverse needs. Additionally,
possessing the characteristics of a 21st-century teacher, such as adaptability,
technological proficiency, and a collaborative mindset, enables you to meet the varied
demands of learners.

This module will provide you with the knowledge you need to become an effective
21st-century teacher. Lesson 3 is about the changing global landscape in teaching and
learning brought about by factors such as the learning environment, content and
processes of learning, types of learners, and other learning parameters in the 21st
century. Further, this module will present how these changes will be addressed by the
principles underpinning UNESCO’s Pillars of Learning: Learning to Know, Learning to Do,
Learning to Be, and Learning to Live Together.

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 Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, students must be able to:
A. Identify the different changes occurring in the global teaching-learning landscapes.
B. Identify the 21st-century life and career skills for learners and teachers.
C. Demonstrate understanding of UNESCO’s Four Pillars of Learning as these apply to
the 21st century.

Get Set!
Instruction: Read carefully the following questions and write your answers on a quarter
sheet of paper. This exercise aims to assess your understanding of the lessons covered in this
module. Answer each question honestly by indicating the letter corresponding to the correct
response.
1. What is the primary characteristic of the new learning environment?
A. Discipline-centered
B. Teacher-centered
C. Learner-centered
D. Technology-driven

2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the new learning content?

A. Integrated or interdisciplinary
B. Demand driven
C. Focus solely on scientific concepts
D. Balance of global and local concepts

3. Which learning process involves learners and teachers being physically present in the
same space?
A. Distance Learning
B. Experiential Learning
C. Face-to-Face Learning
D. Blended Learning

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4. What is a key trait of the new types of learners?
A. Rigid and dependent
B. Self-directed and questioning
C. Narrow-minded and ethnocentric
D. Non-curious and disengaged

5. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the new types of teachers?

A. Clear standards and accountability
B. Resistance to integrating ICT in pedagogy
C. Skillful in using assessment for teaching and learning
D. Understanding of local and global cultures

6. What is the focus of UNESCO's Four Pillars of Learning?

A. Mastery of specific subjects
B. Development of life and career skills
C. Learning to live separately
D. Promoting competition among learners

7. Which pillar of learning emphasizes acquiring knowledge and the ability to learn
throughout life?
A. Learning to know
B. Learning to do
C. Learning to be
D. Learning to live together

8. What is emphasized in the pillar of "Learning to Do"?

A. Acquisition of knowledge
B. Development of self-knowledge
C. Application of knowledge into skills
D. Respect and concern for others

9. What is the most challenging aspect of the "Learning to Be" pillar?

A. Developing interpersonal skills
B. Self-analysis and reflection
C. Social and emotional literacy
D. Application of digital literacy

10. What does "Learning to Live Together" primarily focus on?

A. Individual achievements
B. Competition among peers
C. Harmonious community relationships
D. Exclusivity and segregation

Read and Learn!

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 The Changing Global Landscape for the 21st Century Teachers

We are in an era of a borderless “flat” world. Barriers have been broken by new
information and communication technologies. Globalization has opened doors that led
nations to coexist and be interdependent. As future teachers of the 21st century, there is an
urgent need to understand the new landscape that is brought about by the changes in leaps
and bounds of the century. Furthermore, the development of 21st-century skills is a
necessary tool for teachers. Without these 21st-century tools, no teacher can survive.
Zhou, 2006 as mentioned in SEAMEO, INNOTECH 2011, identified some key
categories on the different changes and developments in 21st-century teaching and learning.

THE NEW LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. The

idea of a learning environment has
broadened from the confines of the four
walls of the classroom to places and
spaces that support learning. It is a place
where interactions of the learners among
one another, with the teachers, and the
surroundings happen.
Photo retrieved from istockphoto.com

The new learning environment is characterized as:

Learner-centered

New spaces and

borderless

Enhanced opportunity for

creativity and innovation

Photo retrieved from webstockreview.net

Use of ICT

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 B. THE NEW LEARNING CONTENTS. With the new
learning environment and the explosion of
knowledge, the content or subject matter of
learning has been modified. From a specific
discipline or subject area, the subject matter of
learning has the following characteristics:
 Integrated or interdisciplinary,
 Demand driven,
 Emphasis on learning tools on how to retrieve
knowledge, and
 Balance of scientific, technological, cultural,
Photo retrieved from pixabay.com global, and local concepts.

C. THE NEW PROCESSES OF LEARNING AND HOW THESE WILL BE FACILITATED. With
advancements in the study of the mind and cognition, various processes of learning evolved
with the human intervention of teachers and peers as well as the non-human intervention of
artificial intelligence (AI) of robots. With this advancement, different processes of learning
and the methods to facilitate these have evolved. This includes the idea of multiple ways of
learning, which can be mediated by the following:

FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING
When learners and teachers are
confined in the same learning space
at the same time with the teacher
facilitating learning.

Photo retrieved from pixabay.com

DISTANCE LEARNING
When teaching, learning is mediated by
traditional (modules in print) or modern
technology (online or offline) without the

Photo retrieved from leverageedu.com

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physical presence of the teacher in the virtual class. It can be synchronous or
asynchronous.
BLENDED MODALITIES
When teaching and learning
are facilitated through face-
to-face or distance learning
which enables the teachers
and learners to have both
physical presence and physical absence in the teaching-learning
process.

Photo retrieved from elmlearning.com

EXPERIENTIAL AND LIFELONG

When learners are immersed in real-life
situations, such that, learning becomes more
authentic and meaningful.

Photo retrieved from

istockphoto.com
D. THE NEW TYPES OF LEARNERS
The new breed of learners does not have age boundaries.
Learners may be in informal, formal, or informal settings.
The new type of learner is:

A confident person who thinks independently

and critically and communicates effectively.

Self-directed and who questions, reflects, and

takes responsibility for his or her learning.

A concerned citizen, informed about the

world and local affairs, has a strong sense of
civic responsibility and participates actively in
improving the lives of others.

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A member of the new generation: pop culture,
different ways of thinking and responding.

Coming from diverse backgrounds, multicultural

and multigenerational as coming from different
age groups of lifelong learners. Photo retrieved from pixabay.com

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 LIFE AND CAREER SKILLS

1. Flexibility and Adaptability

Learners adapt to various roles, responsibilities,
and schedules. Despite the complex conditions,
they can do different tasks at one time period.
Recognition of this potential will give a signal to
the teacher to provide all learners the
opportunities to develop their individual
potential of being adaptable and flexible.

Photo retrieved from Rigidity runs counter to the development of this

publicdomainpictures.net
skill.

2. Initiative and Self-Direction

Self-directed learner demonstrates life and
career skills. Goals are set and managed by
themselves. There is a commitment to learning
as a lifelong process. Many of the young
learners are capable of doing things without
being told. They take initiative. They do not
need to be given detailed instructions. They
plan and work out their plans. Like the
Photo retrieved from iscresearch.com
learners, the teachers should also possess the
same skills.

3. Social and Cross-cultural Skills

These life and career skills require
learners to respect cultural differences
and work effectively with others, to be
open-minded to different ideas to
innovate and improve the quality of work
period. If one understands the other’s
Photo retrieved from webstockreview.net
culture, it will be easy to respect.

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Disrespect may spring from ignorance and bias. To be able to appreciate the mores,
traditions, and history of others, one needs to be open and willing to accommodate and
compromise.

4. Productivity and Accountability

Individuals who possess these skills can produce
results. They respect teamwork and cooperation.
They manage time very well and can multitask.
The most tangible proof that one has done
something is the product or result. It can be an
Photo retrieved from clipart-library.com idea or a material product. When one is tasked to
do something, that person has an accountability to produce results as evidence of a job
done. Better results are accomplished if done together through collaboration and
cooperation.

5. Leadership and Responsibility

Good leaders use interpersonal and problem-
solving skills with integrity and ethical behavior to
influence and guide others. Leadership and
responsibility are life skills that should be
Photo retrieved from clipart-library.com
developed by all learners and teachers. Leadership is
not assigned, it is earned. As the saying goes: “Leaders are born, but they can also be
made”.

E. THE NEW TYPES OF TEACHERS. As teachers are currently preparing students for jobs and
technologies that don't even exist yet, the challenge then is to produce a new type of
teacher. Teachers for 21st-century learners teach within the context of a new environment,
new content or knowledge, and new processes of teaching and learning.
Hence, the new type of teacher must possess the following
characteristics:
 Clear standards and accountability that their learners should
know and be able to do at the end of their schooling;

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  Use broad pedagogies including inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning, and
other pedagogies;
 Skillful in the integration of ICT in pedagogy;
 Skillful in the use of assessment to guide teaching and learning;
 Great understanding of local and global cultures;
 Skillful in action research to diagnose and solve classroom problems based on
evidence; and
 Develop life and career skills for the 21st century and beyond.

UNESCO’s Four Pillars of Learning

from Delors Report: Learning: A Treasure from Within

Our common future will depend on the degree to which we all

become better world citizens. There are huge changes that
take place in our world. Too much is being asked of schools
and teachers. Hence, there is a greater demand to cope and
strike a balance between what is unchanging, and what is
changing. What is unchanging must remain, and so what is changing, should be dealt with.
When Jaques Delor wrote a report for UNESCO entitled: Learning: A Treasure from
Within, it was because he believed that “within each child lies a treasure”. The four pillars of
learning are seamlessly linked to each other.

1. LEARNING TO KNOW
THE FOUR PILLARS OF
This implies thirst for knowledge and acquisition of such
LEARNING
knowledge. More so, it is learning how to learn throughout
one's life. After completing formal education, there should
be a great desire to gain more understanding of the world
and other people. An individual who is knowledgeable is
literate. Being literate is always related to being
knowledgeable. Thus, the definition of the word literacy
evolved through periods. Here are some definitions made
by the UNESCO:
• In 1958, a literate person
is someone who can,
with understanding,

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 both read and write a short simple statement on his or
her everyday life.
• In 1970, a functionally literate person can engage in all the activities to use reading,
writing, and calculation for the community’s development.
•In 2000, literacy was defined as the ability to read and write with an understanding a
simple statement related to one's daily life.
•In 2003, literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, and
compute using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts.
•In the 21st century, literacy is not limited to the definition given previously.
21st CENTURY
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS
LITERACIES
The Arts and Creativity and innovation are 21st-century skills, thus, solving
Creativity problems and creating artworks are part of this literacy.
Ecoliteracy Acquisition of knowledge about climate change, pollution, loss of
natural habitats, and biodiversity. Solutions on how these
environmental problems could be addressed must be practiced.
Cyber Literacy Being to the rapid changes in the use of technology for teaching and
/Digital Literacy learning, teachers and learners need to develop and enhance the use
(Information and of digital gadgets, whether online or offline.
ICT Knowledge)
Financial Literacy Basic knowledge about the basics of economics and financial
management. This is necessary for every learner and teacher to be
able to handle income, expenses, and investment to be economically
secure.
Media Literacy Teachers and learners must learn how to discern about any
information which are transmitted via various forms and media.
Social and Knowledge about social dimensions and social skills that are
Emotional appropriate in the context of society. Emotional intelligence must also
Literacy be developed to be able to effectively manage the stresses due to the
changing environments of the 21st century society.
Globalization and If you respect multicultural diversity, aware of the global trends,
Multi-cultural acknowledge differences and similarities, respect each other’s dignity,
Literacy then you are multicultural literate.

2. LEARNING TO DO
How can knowledge and methods be incorporated and
enhanced towards the development of skills? To apply
knowledge, one must have 21st-century skills. Qualification
now is equated to skills and not to knowledge alone. Can

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Photo retrieved from webstockreview.net
the knowledge gained be translated into application? Learning by doing is a pragmatist’s
view of life. Knowledge acquired is nothing unless applied in daily life.

3. LEARNING TO BE
One of the most difficult things to do among the pillars is
learning to be. It implies developing the potential of each
individual. Continuing education must improve self-
knowledge and self-esteem. What would you like to be?
The answer to this question will require self-analysis,
Photo retrieved from vecteezy.com reflection, social skills, creativity, and personal discovery. At
this point, have you decided that you should become a teacher? Do you have now the skills
that enable you to become one?

4. LEARNING TO LIVE TOGETHER

This refers to the relationship among people. It is
bringing together a community to work
harmoniously, to live in peace and prosperity, and
to show respect and concern for others. It also
refers to interpersonal skills that will enable people
to live side by side with others at home, in school,
Photo retrieved
in thefrom clipart-library.com
community and the whole world.

Note: All the pillars are interrelated with each other as basic principles. One pillar will not
function if it stands alone. There is a need to connect in order to address the 21st-century
demands for teaching and learning.

Try This!
Instruction: Read carefully the following questions and write your answers on a quarter
sheet of paper. This activity aims to measure how much you’ve from the lessons covered in
this module. Answer each question honestly by indicating the letter corresponding to the
correct response.

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1. In the new learning environment, what does the term "borderless" refer to?
A. Strict boundaries between subjects
B. Limitations on creativity
C. Spaces beyond traditional classrooms
D. Lack of interaction between learners
2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the new learning content?
A. Emphasis on traditional teaching methods
B. Integration of scientific and cultural concepts
C. Demand-driven content
D. Interdisciplinary approach
3. Which learning process involves a combination of face-to-face and distance learning?
A. Experiential learning
B. Blended modalities
C. Distance learning
D. Synchronous learning
4. What distinguishes the new types of learners from traditional learners?
A. Dependence on teachers for all learning
B. Lack of interest in global affairs
C. Self-directed learning and critical thinking
D. Homogeneity in cultural background
5. What is NOT a characteristic of the new types of teachers?
A. Resistance to integrating ICT in pedagogy
B. Skillful use of assessment for teaching and learning
C. Clear standards and accountability
D. Understanding of local and global cultures
6. According to UNESCO's Four Pillars of Learning, what does "Learning to Do" primarily
emphasize?
A. Acquisition of knowledge
B. Application of knowledge into skills
C. Development of self-knowledge
D. Mastery of specific subjects
7. What is the main focus of the pillar "Learning to Live Together"?
A. Individual achievement
B. Harmonious community relationships
C. Competition among peers
D. Segregation in education
8. What does the term "21st-century literacies" encompass?
A. Mastery of traditional reading and writing only

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 B. Acquisition of basic economics knowledge
C. Development of social and emotional intelligence
D. Competency in various modern skills and literacies
9. Which of the following is NOT included in the 21st-century literacies?
A. Ecoliteracy
B. Financial Literacy
C. Media Literacy
D. Industrial Literacy
10. What is a key aspect of the "Learning to Be" pillar?
A. Acquisition of knowledge
B. Development of interpersonal skills
C. Application of digital literacy
D. Mastery of specific subjects

Do This!
Instruction: Read carefully the following statements and write your answers on a one-half
sheet of paper. This activity will test your memorization and comprehension skills based on
the lessons covered in this module. Answer each question honestly by filling in the correct
answer in each blank space.
1. The new learning environment is characterized by being learner-centered, embracing
new spaces, and being ______________.
2. The new types of learners are confident individuals who think independently and
critically, communicate effectively and come from diverse ______________.
3. One of the life and career skills emphasized is ______________, which involves adapting
to various roles, responsibilities, and schedules.
4. Teachers for 21st-century learners must possess clear standards and accountability,
broad pedagogies, and skillful integration of ______________ in pedagogy.
5. Learning to Know emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and the thirst for learning
throughout one's life, also known as ______________.

6-8. List down three (3) life and career skills that a 21st-century learner must possess.

9-10. Out of the four pillars of learning, pick one and explain it using your own words.

Look Back and Share your Thoughts!

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Instruction: Reflect on the discussion about the 21st-century teacher and the four pillars of
learning from UNESCO. Record a video of yourself answering the following questions.
Upload your video to your Facebook account and share the link to our GC. You also must
submit a hard copy for this task. Use the provided criteria as your reference in doing the
activity.
1. How do you perceive the role of a 21st-century teacher in today’s rapidly changing
educational landscape?
2. Among the four pillars of learning outlined by UNESCO (Learning to Know, Learning to
Do, Learning to Be, Learning to Live Together), which do you believe is the most crucial
for educators to prioritize in their practice? Explain your reasoning.
3. How do you envision incorporating the principles of the four pillars of learning into your
future teaching practice? Provide specific examples or strategies you intend to
implement.

RUBRIC FOR SCORING

Criteria 5 4 3 2
Content Clarity The reflection is The reflection is The reflection is The reflection is
and Depth clear and clear and covers somewhat clear unclear and
detailed, most parts of but could lacks detail.
covering all the questions. include more
parts of the details.
questions well.
Language Use The language is The language is The language is The language is
and Grammar easy to mostly easy to somewhat hard to
understand, understand, difficult to understand,
with correct with some understand, with frequent
grammar and minor mistakes. with noticeable mistakes.
words used mistakes.
effectively.
Delivery The student The student The student The student
Performance speaks clearly speaks with speaks speaks
and confidently, some hesitantly and unclearly or
looking at the confidence, may have very slowly,
camera and occasionally trouble keeping making it hard
keeping a good looking away a steady pace to follow along.
pace. from the or looking at
camera but the camera.
maintaining a
decent pace.

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REFERENCES:
Bilbao, P. P., Corpuz, B. B., Llagas, A. T., & Salandanan, G. G. (2018). The Teaching
Profession (4th ed., pp. 130-137). Lorimar Publishing, Inc.
https://lorimaracademix.com/the-teaching-profession-4th-edition-obe-ppst-
based/

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 ANSWERS KEY
Get Set Answer Key:
1. C. Learner-centered
2. C. Focus solely on scientific concepts
3. C. Face-to-Face Learning
4. B. Self-directed and questioning
5. B. Resistance to integrating ICT in pedagogy
6. B. Development of life and career skills
7. A. Learning to know
8. C. Application of knowledge into skills
9. B. Self-analysis and reflection
10. C. Harmonious community relationships

Try This Answer Key:

1. C. Spaces beyond traditional classrooms
2. A. Emphasis on traditional teaching methods
3. B. Blended modalities
4. C. Self-directed learning and critical thinking
5. A. Resistance to integrating ICT in pedagogy
6. B. Application of knowledge into skills
7. B. Harmonious community relationships
8. D. Competency in various modern skills and literacies
9. D. Industrial Literacy
10. B. Development of interpersonal skills

Do This Answer Key:

1. Enhanced opportunity for creativity and innovation
2. Cultural backgrounds
3. Flexibility and Adaptability
4. ICT
5. Lifelong learning
6-8. Any of the following:
 Flexibility and Adaptability
 Initiative and Self-Direction
 Social and Cross-cultural Skills
 Productivity and Accountability
 Leadership and Responsibility
9-10. Any of the following:
 Learning To Know
 Learning To Do
 Learning To Be
 Learning To Live Together

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