What you will learn
- Synthesize and apply your new knowledge by transforming a curricular artifact of your own, whether it be an entire course syllabus or a lesson plan or activity for a single class.
- Understand key principles of instructional design and learning theory — with emphasis on the concept of “skills as cultural models” — and how to structure a course syllabus and/or individual lesson plans to emphasize the four skills.
- Develop a working knowledge of and critical outlook on the theories and arguments behind 21st-century skills and graduate employability.
- Develop an appreciation for the ways that culture, class and other forms of student identity and experience impact how students define and use particular skills — and implications of this for your own classroom teaching.
- Understand the theory and research supporting each of the four skills and the different ways they can be taught in colleges, universities and adult education settings.
Learn how to teach communication, teamwork, critical thinking and self-motivated learning — four 21st-century skills strongly linked to student success. College educators and administrators will gain a strong foundation in the theory, research and practical applications of these crucial skills in both face-to-face and online college courses. You'll examine skills frameworks, critiques of these frameworks, instructional design principles and the science behind each of the four skills. The course features tips and strategies for teaching these skills in online courses, with a focus on instructional design, teaching and assessment. This course is taught by award-winning author and presenter Matthew Hora, who will be actively moderating the course and providing regular feedback to each learner.
Courses in this program
WisconsinX's Teaching 21st Century Skills in College Courses Professional Certificate
- 4–6 hours per week, for 3 weeks
The Introduction to 21st Century Skills course is for faculty and other postsecondary instructors who want to improve how their students are learning four “21st century skills”, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-motivated learning. This course provides a foundation in instructional design and how these skills are best viewed in cultural terms, with practical tips for how to best design and teach college-level courses and programs that cultivate these complex competencies. This course is part 1 of a 3-course program.
- 4–6 hours per week, for 3 weeks
The Teaching Teamwork and Communication Skills course provides you with an in-depth understanding of transferable skills, including teamwork and collaboration. The course also covers career readiness and communication, key skills that are frequently cited in today's conversations about the skills gap, 21st-century skills and college student employability. This course is part 2 of a 3-course program.
- 4–6 hours per week, for 3 weeks
Engage and improve your teaching in both critical thinking skills and self-regulated learning skills as cultural scripts. This course is part 3 of a 3-course program.
- A 2020 study shows a positive relationship between college students' self-perceived 21st-century skills and their perception of the higher education curriculum contributing to their employability.
- (Source: Habets et al, "Am I Fit for Tomorrow’s Labor Market? The Effect of Graduates’ Skills Development during Higher Education for the 21st Century’s Labor Market," Sustainability, 2020)
- Faculty members have the opportunity to incorporate 21st-century skills into instruction and academic advising to better prepare students for the present and future workforce.
- (Source: Hodge and Lear, "Employment Skills for 21st Century Workplace: The Gap Between Faculty and Student Perceptions," Journal of Career and Technical Education, 2011)
- Career prospects for people with similar training include instructional designers, college instructors, professional development instructors and curriculum developers. (Source: Lightcast 2022 Job Outlook Report)
- Job growth for postsecondary teachers and instructional coordinators is projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2033. (Source: Lightcast 2022 Job Outlook Report)
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