“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 let it go 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
for success!.
