Features of 21st century teaching and

learning/ Critical Attributes of the 21st

Century Education
PED 204. Sept. 7, 2020
Source: 21st Century Schools (2011)
1. Integrated and Interdisciplinary

- Education in the 21st century is characterized by linkages among various

subject areas in an integrated manner.
- The new approach promotes the utilization of learning from various
disciplines.
Implication
This critical attribute implies that teachers need to review the school
curriculum and identify strategies or ways on how different subjects can be
effectively linked to enhance the learning experiences of students.
Example
For example, music and algebra can be linked together in the discussion
of fractions. The time signature of music uses fractions; as such, you, as a
good teacher, can certainly apply this to both your music or math classes.
2. Technologies and Multimedia

- Education in the 21st century makes full use of available Information and
Communication Technology, or ICT (e.g., computers and the internet) as
well as multimedia (e.g., using audio- and video-based instruction) to
improve teaching and learning activities.

- The ability to find, evaluate, utilize, and create information using

technologies and multimedia, or digital technology in general, is referred
to as digital literacy.
Implication
This critical attribute implies that your school will need to acquire and use
computers and various multimedia equipment to enhance learning to the
best extent possible. Training is also needed for teacher-users as part of a
bigger “technology plan.”
Example
Day-to-day activities – writing reports, creating multimedia presentations,
and communicating or exchanging information with classmates and
colleagues online.
3. Global Classrooms
- Education in the 21st century aims to produce global citizens by exposing
students to the concerns of the region and other countries. They are
encouraged to react and respond to issues as part of their roles as global
citizens.
Implication
This critical attribute implies that teachers need to include current global
issues/concerns, such as peace and respect for cultural diversity, climate
change, and global warming, in classroom discussions.
Example
Discussion on current issues - global pandemic, gender sensitivity, global
warming, and the like.
4. Creating/Adapting to Constant Personal and Social Change, and
Lifelong Learning
- Education in the 21st century subscribes to the belief that learning does
not only happen inside the school and during one’s schooling years.
Learning can take place anywhere, anytime, regardless of one’s age.
Implication
This means that teachers should facilitate students’ acquisition of KSAVs
that go beyond academics. Learning should take place not only for the
purpose of passing exams, but also for transferring knowledge to real life
situations. The curriculum should be planned in such a way that the students
will continue to learn even outside the school’s portals
Example
Adopting a new mode of learning

Utilization of a learning management system for remote classes

5. Student-Centered
- Education in the 21st century is focused on students as learners. It is
tailor-fit to address the individual learning needs of each student.
Differentiated instruction is common in 21st century classrooms, where
diverse student factors are taken into account when planning and
delivering instruction.
Implication
This critical attribute implies that teachers should act as facilitators of
learning — not as “sages on the stage” but as “guides on the side.” Learners
should be given opportunities to discover new knowledge, learn with one
another, and create their own learnings.
Example
Giving of experiential activities that let students discover new knowledge
6. 21st Century Skills
- Education in the 21st century promotes the skills needed to be productive
members of today’s society. It is not enough for students to learn the
basic skills of reading, writing, and numeracy, but should develop in
themselves skills that would help them cope with life and work in 21st
century communities. These skills include, among others, critical and
creative thinking skills, problem solving and decision making, and ICT
literacy and skills.
Implication
Teachers need to possess these 21st century skills before you can help
your students develop these skills.
Example
Give students activities that will help them develop critical and creative
thinking skills, problem solving and decision making, and ICT literacy and
skills.
7. Project-Based and Research-Driven
- Among the critical attributes of 21st century education is the emphasis on
data, information, and evidence-based decision making. It relies heavily
on student-driven activities to encourage active learning.
Implication
- This implies that teachers of the 21st century need to be knowledgeable
about research to guide their students’ learning through self-directed
activities, such as learning projects within and outside their classrooms.
Example
Investigatory projects showcased in many science fairs across Southeast
Asia and in the world are examples of research-based activities of students.
8. Relevant, Rigorous and Real-world
- Education in the 21st century is meaningful because it is rooted in real life
day-to-day activities of learners. It can be applied to the realities of the
present and includes what students need to develop to enable them to
become productive members of the 21st century.
Implication
This critical attribute implies that topics are taught using current and
relevant information and linked to real-life situations and context.
Example
As a 21st century teacher, you need to be updated on the current trends,
developments, and issues in your school, community, and in the world, so
that your teaching will be relevant to the lives of your students. Newspapers,
TV and radio news, and the internet are good sources of relevant and up-to-
date information that you can access.
Thank you.